Science X Newsletter Thu, Apr 11

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Here is your customized Science X Newsletter for April 11, 2024:

Spotlight Stories Headlines

Earthquakes may not be primary driver of glacial lake outburst floods

Discovery of the first fractal molecule in nature

Scientists discover first nitrogen-fixing organelle

Oxidant pollutant ozone removes mating barriers between fly species, study finds

Ocean currents threaten to collapse Antarctic ice shelves, study finds

Nothing is everything: How hidden emptiness can define the usefulness of filtration materials

Cloud engineering could be more effective 'painkiller' for global warming than previously thought

Researchers find baby stars discharge plume-like 'sneezes' of magnetic flux during formation

AI model has potential to detect risk of childbirth-related PTSD

Pork labeling schemes 'not helpful' in making informed buying choices, say researchers

Tropical coral-infecting parasites discovered in cold marine ecosystems

Beautiful nebula, violent history: Clash of stars solves stellar mystery

Study reveals giant store of global soil carbon

Scientists discover groups of spinal cord neurons that allow for brain-independent motor learning

Biologists reveal how gyrase resolves DNA entanglements

Nanotechnology news

	Nothing is everything: How hidden emptiness can define the usefulness of filtration materials Voids, or empty spaces, exist within matter at all scales, from the astronomical to the microscopic. In a new study, researchers used high-powered microscopy and mathematical theory to unveil nanoscale voids in three dimensions. This advancement is poised to improve the performance of many materials used in the home and in the chemical, energy and medical industries—particularly in the area of filtration.
	Nanoscale movies shed light on one barrier to a clean energy future Left unchecked, corrosion can rust out cars and pipes, take down buildings and bridges, and eat away at our monuments. Corrosion can also damage devices that could be key to a clean energy future. And now, Duke University researchers have captured extreme close-ups of that process in action.
	Unraveling the behavior of nanoconfined water and ice in extreme conditions Understanding water behavior in nanopores is crucial for both science and practical applications. Scientists from City University of Hong Kong (CityU) have revealed the remarkable behavior of water and ice under high pressure and temperature, and strong confinement.
	Laser-patterned thin films that swell into kirigami-like structures offer new opportunities in hydrogel technology New options for making finely structured soft, flexible and expandable materials called hydrogels have been developed by researchers at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology (TUAT).
	Defect removal of 2D semiconductor crystals: Trapping oxygen molecules offers greater control A study of oxygen molecules interacting with atomically thin layers of materials being developed as new generations of semiconductors could significantly improve control over the fabrication and applications of these two-dimensional (2D) materials.
	A molecular moon lander: Insight into molecular motion on surfaces at the nanoscale For years, scientists have been intrigued by how molecules move across surfaces. The process is critical to numerous applications, including catalysis and the manufacturing of nanoscale devices.
	Study proposes large-scale biomanufacturing workflow to produce natural killer cells and extracellular vesicles A team of uOttawa Faculty of Medicine researchers have developed a path to a biomanufacturing process that could potentially transform how Canada generates immunotherapeutic materials—specifically natural killer cells and extracellular vesicles (EVs)—to fuel tomorrow's novel cancer treatments.

Physics news

	New advances promise secure quantum computing at home The full power of next-generation quantum computing could soon be harnessed by millions of individuals and companies, thanks to a breakthrough by scientists at Oxford University Physics guaranteeing security and privacy. This advance promises to unlock the transformative potential of cloud-based quantum computing and is detailed in a new study published in Physical Review Letters. The paper is titled "Verifiable blind quantum computing with trapped ions and single photons."
	New technological advance for fast and efficient 3D imaging of objects A team of experts from the University of Barcelona and the company Sensofar Tech have designed an innovative technology to obtain three-dimensional images of a study sample quickly, accurately and non-invasively. The work has been published in Nature Communications.
	Efficiency boost: Dual light pulses minimize energy for phase transitions Researchers have explained the mechanisms behind a counterintuitive phenomenon: Making a phase transition effective requires less energy if it is initiated by two pulses of light instead of just one. The energy needed to complete the phase transition has been reduced by 6% and could be further optimized. These results have the potential to be transferred to other materials, offering new avenues for precise material control and technological innovation.
	Trapped in the middle: Billiards with memory framework leads to mathematical questions Adding one simple rule to an idealized game of billiards leads to a wealth of intriguing mathematical questions, as well as applications in the physics of living organisms. This week, researchers from the University of Amsterdam, including two masters' students as first authors—have published a paper in Physical Review Letters about the fascinating dynamics of billiards with memory.
	Peter Higgs transformed what we know about the building blocks of the universe Peter Higgs, who gave his name to the subatomic particle known as the Higgs boson, has died aged 94. He was always a modest man, especially when considering that he was one of the greats of particle physics—the area of science concerned with the building blocks of matter.
	The next-generation triggers for CERN detectors The experiments at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) require high-performance event-selection systems—known as "triggers" in particle physics—to filter the flow of data to manageable levels. The triggers pick events with distinguishing characteristics, such as interactions or collisions of particles recorded in particle detectors, and make them available for physics analyses. In just a few seconds, the complex system can determine whether the information about a given collision event is worth keeping or not.
	A compact metasurface array-based system for single-shot spectroscopic ellipsometry measurement Spectroscopic ellipsometry is widely adopted in semiconductor processing, such as in the manufacturing of integrated circuits, flat display panels, and solar cells. However, a conventional spectroscopic ellipsometer, as shown in Fig.1a, typically modulates the polarization state via mechanical rotation of the compensator or analyzer. For spectral detection, it either requires wavelength scanning or the use of a multi-channel spectrometer. The resulting system is often bulky, complex, and require multiple measurements.

Earth news

	Earthquakes may not be primary driver of glacial lake outburst floods Glacial lakes form when meltwater is trapped behind a dam, usually glacial ice, bedrock or a type of moraine (terminal types being an unconsolidated pile of debris at the maximum extent of the glacier). When a dam fails, the resulting sudden release of a large volume of water is known as an outburst flood, having catastrophic consequences on the environment and communities downstream. Such events are seemingly becoming more common as glaciers retreat and meltwater accumulates in larger and more numerous glacial lakes, due to climate change.
	Ocean currents threaten to collapse Antarctic ice shelves, study finds A new study published in Nature Communications has revealed that the interplay between meandering ocean currents and the ocean floor induces upwelling velocity, transporting warm water to shallower depths. This mechanism contributes substantially to the melting of ice shelves in the Amundsen Sea of West Antarctica. These ice shelves are destabilizing rapidly and contributing to sea level rise.
	Cloud engineering could be more effective 'painkiller' for global warming than previously thought Cloud "engineering" could be more effective for climate cooling than previously thought, because of the increased cloud cover produced, new research shows.
	Study reveals giant store of global soil carbon Soil carbon usually refers only to the organic matter component of soils, known as soil organic carbon (SOC). However, soil carbon also has an inorganic component, known as soil inorganic carbon (SIC). Solid SIC, often calcium carbonate, tends to accumulate more in arid regions with infertile soils, which has led many to believe it is not important.
	Study identifies increased threat to coastlines from concurrent heat waves and sea level rises Concurrent occurrences of heat waves and extreme short-term sea level rises at the same coastal locations significantly increased between 1998 and 2017 when compared to the preceding 20 years, reports a study published in Communications Earth & Environment. The study also suggests that these events may be five times more likely to occur between 2025 and 2049 under a modeled high emissions scenario.
	Rock permeability, microquakes link may be a boon for geothermal energy Using machine learning, researchers at Penn State have tied low-magnitude microearthquakes to the permeability of subsurface rocks beneath the Earth, a discovery that could have implications for improving geothermal energy transfer.
	Altered oceanic crust may contribute to arc magmas As an important subduction component, altered oceanic crust (AOC) is widely distributed on the oceanic subducting slab and may contribute significantly to the chemistry of arc magmas. However, identifying this contribution in arc magmas is challenging because AOC is not as enriched in incompatible elements as sediments, nor does it have as high H2O concentrations as do serpentinites. Therefore, it is necessary to find a sensitive tracer for subducted AOC.
	Fault maturity or orientation: Which matters more for quakes? In the early morning of 22 May 2021, a magnitude 7.4 quake rattled China's remote Maduo County on the Tibetan Plateau. It was the most recent in a series of nine earthquakes with a magnitude of 7 or greater since 1997, and its surface rupture was twice as long as the global average for similarly sized quakes. The tremor occurred on the eastern part of the relatively immature left-lateral Jiangcuo fault system, which slips slowly, about 1 millimeter per year, and was unmapped before the quake.
	San Francisco Bay study highlights value of salt marsh restoration for flood risk reduction and climate resilience Salt marsh restoration can mitigate flood risk and bolster community resilience to climate change in our local waterways, according to a recent study published in Scientific Reports by a postdoctoral fellow with UC Santa Cruz's Center for Coastal Climate Resilience (CCCR).
	The heat is on: What we know about why ocean temperatures keep smashing records Over the last year, our oceans have been hotter than any time ever recorded. Our instrumental record covers the last 150 years. But based on proxy observations, we can say our oceans are now hotter than well before the rise of human civilization, very likely for at least 100,000 years.
	Verifying the mathematics behind ocean modeling Global climate models, such as the Energy Exascale Earth System Model developed by the U.S. Department of Energy, rely on many underlying equations that simulate Earth's natural processes. These include the water cycle, carbon dioxide uptake by land and water, and rates of ice melt.
	Plant more native trees to reduce landslide risk, control erosion, say researchers Landslides typically occur under heavy rain. With the potential for increased precipitation due to climate change and a possible return to La Niña reinforcing slopes with native trees and shrubs could be an effective, economical and sustainable solution.
	More than two dozen Colorado water systems exceed EPA's new limits on 'forever chemicals' Twenty-nine of the more than 2,000 water treatment facilities in Colorado do not meet strict new federal limits on the amount of dangerous "forever chemicals" in their drinking water supplies and it will cost millions to clean those toxins out of the water.
	NASA's PACE data on ocean, atmosphere, climate now available NASA is now publicly distributing science-quality data from its newest Earth-observing satellite, providing first-of-their-kind measurements of ocean health, air quality, and the effects of a changing climate.
	Unraveling the song of ice and fire across the American landscape with machine learning In the rugged terrain of the western United States, where wildfires rage unchecked, a surprising connection emerges with the tumultuous skies of the central US. A recent study published in Advances in Atmospheric Sciences explores the intriguing relationship between wildfires in the West and hailstorms in the Central US.
	Panama plans dry alternative to drought-hit canal Panama on Wednesday unveiled plans for a "dry canal" to move cargo between the Pacific and Atlantic oceans due to low water levels in its century-old maritime channel.
	EU to make pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries pay for treating water The European Union's parliament Wednesday approved a package of rules that will make the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries cover more of the costs of cleaning up their wastewaters.
	Officials brace for 'uncertainty' in water transfers to Lake Mead Key backup tubes inside the Glen Canyon Dam might be damaged, potentially threatening the delivery of water to Lake Mead in the future if water levels ever dip too low in Lake Powell, according to a Bureau of Reclamation memo.
	How full are major California reservoirs as state exits another wet winter? The majority of California's reservoirs are above their historic average levels following the end of two wet winters.
	A landslide forced me from my home—and I experienced our failure to deal with climate change at first hand One stormy evening in February 2024, I heard the sickening sound of trees breaking just beyond my garden in the town of Hastings on England's south coast. Heading outside to investigate, I soon found cracks opening up in the ground near our property's border with the Old Roar Gill—a narrow valley containing ancient woodlands, a stream and much wildlife, plants and trees.
	Corporate climate pledge weakened by carbon offsets move The world's main benchmark for vetting corporate climate action has been accused by its own staff of "greenwashing" after allowing businesses to use carbon credits to offset pollution from their value chains.
	Report links H&M, Zara to environmental destruction in Brazil Fast fashion giants H&M and Zara have used cotton from farms linked to massive deforestation, land-grabbing, corruption and violence in Brazil, a report by the environmental group Earthsight said Thursday.

Astronomy and Space news

	Researchers find baby stars discharge plume-like 'sneezes' of magnetic flux during formation Kyushu University researchers have shed new light into a critical question on how baby stars develop. Using the ALMA radio telescope in Chile, the team found that in its infancy, the protostellar disk that surrounds a baby star discharges plumes of dust, gas, and electromagnetic energy.
	Beautiful nebula, violent history: Clash of stars solves stellar mystery When astronomers looked at a stellar pair at the heart of a stunning cloud of gas and dust, they were in for a surprise. Star pairs are typically very similar, like twins, but in HD 148937, one star appears younger and, unlike the other, is magnetic.
	Japanese astronaut to be first non-American to set foot on moon A lucky Japanese astronaut will become the first non-American to set foot on the moon during one of NASA's upcoming Artemis missions, US President Joe Biden announced Wednesday.
	In Russia's Far East, a new heavy-lift rocket blasts off into space after two aborted launches Russia on Thursday successfully test-launched a new heavy-lift rocket from its Far Eastern space complex, a lift-off that comes after two aborted attempts earlier this week.
	Wireless power transmission could enable exploration of the far side of the moon How can future lunar exploration communicate from the far side of the moon despite never being inline with the Earth? This is what a recent study submitted to IEEE Transactions on Aerospace and Electronic Systems hopes to address as a pair of researchers from the Polytechnique Montréal investigated the potential for a wireless power transmission method (WPT) comprised of anywhere from one to three satellites located at Earth-moon Lagrange Point 2 (EMLP-2) and a solar-powered receiver on the far side of the moon.
	How much of Venus's atmosphere is coming from volcanoes? There's a lot we don't know about the planet nearest to us. Venus is shrouded in clouds, making speculation about what's happening on its surface a parlor game for many planetary scientists for decades. But one idea that always seems to come up in those conversations—volcanoes.
	NASA technology helps guard against lunar dust Defeating dust may be a small concern for most people on Earth, but for astronauts and spacecraft destined for the moon or Mars, it is a significant hazard that must be mitigated. That's why researchers at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida are seeking innovative ways to use Electrodynamic Dust Shield (EDS) technology.
	Juice aces Callisto flyby test Seven years from now, in April 2031, ESA's Juice mission will fly past Jupiter's moon Callisto, offering scientists a tantalizing glimpse at the mysterious, cratered alien world.
	Examining the blowtorch effect of satellite reentry through video A reaction wheel—one of the heaviest parts of a space mission, its changing rotation used to shift a satellite's orientation—seen in a plasma wind tunnel belonging to the High Enthalpy Flow Diagnostics Group (HEFDiG) at the University of Stuttgart Institute of Space Systems (IRS). Arc-heated gas in the test chamber reaches speeds of several kilometers per second, reproducing reentry conditions, while the reaction wheel itself is being rotated, reproducing the tumbling that takes place as a satellite plunges through the atmosphere.

Technology news

	Discovery brings all-solid-state sodium batteries closer to practical use The pursuit of greener energy also requires efficient rechargeable batteries to store that energy. While lithium-ion batteries are currently the most widely used, all-solid-state sodium batteries are attracting attention as sodium is far more plentiful than lithium. This should make sodium batteries less expensive, and solid-state batteries are thought to be safer, but processing issues mean mass production has been difficult.
	Tiny AI-trained robots demonstrate remarkable soccer skills A team of AI specialists at Google's DeepMind has used machine learning to teach tiny robots to play soccer. They describe the process for developing the robots in Science Robotics.
	Adding a telescopic leg beneath a quadcopter to create a hopping drone A team of biomedical, mechanical, and aerospace engineers from City University of Hong Kong and Hong Kong University of Science and Technology has developed a hopping robot by attaching a spring-loaded telescopic leg to the underside of a quadcopter. Their paper is published in the journal Science Robotics.
	New open-source generative machine learning model simulates future energy-climate impacts As countries worldwide transition to more wind and solar generation and electrify energy end uses, societies are becoming more intertwined with weather conditions. Meanwhile, the climate is rapidly changing and making extreme weather events the "new normal."
	Researchers show electrical pulses can control thermal resistance in devices Controlling heat flow is key to enhancing performance in a wide variety of systems. In electronic devices, such as mobile phones or any type of processor, overheating decreases their performance and reduces their lifetime. All these technologies are based on materials with a certain resistance to the heat that flows through them.
	Engineers quicken the response time for robots to react to human conversation Talking to a robot often feels stilted or delayed, thanks to computer software trying to keep up with the conversation. However, new research from the University of Waterloo has improved the ability for humans to communicate naturally with humanoid robots.
	Engineers recreate Star Trek's Holodeck using ChatGPT and video game assets In "Star Trek: The Next Generation," Captain Picard and the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise leverage the Holodeck, an empty room capable of generating 3D environments, of preparing for missions and entertaining them, simulating everything from lush jungles to the London of Sherlock Holmes.
	New computer vision tool can count damaged buildings in crisis zones and accurately estimate bird flock sizes A team of computer scientists at the University of Massachusetts Amherst working on two different problems—how to quickly detect damaged buildings in crisis zones and how to accurately estimate the size of bird flocks—recently announced an AI framework that can do both. The framework, called DISCount, blends the speed and massive data-crunching power of artificial intelligence with the reliability of human analysis to quickly deliver reliable estimates that can quickly pinpoint and count specific features from very large collections of images.
	Agency probes Philadelphia fatal crash involving Ford that may have been running on automated system The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating a March crash near Philadelphia that killed two people and involved a Ford electric vehicle that may have been operating on a partially automated driving system.
	Bumpy ride for electric cars in Europe Electric cars are a key part of Europe's green transition plans but the road ahead remains littered with obstacles with 10 years to go before a crucial milestone.
	Bitcoin miners face survival test in 'halving' Miners of bitcoin will soon face a halving of the reward for operating the most popular cryptocurrency, in a pivotal event that is a test of survival, industry commentators say.
	Meta turns to AI to protect minors from 'sextortion' on Instagram Meta said on Thursday it was developing new tools to protect teenage users from "sextortion" scams on its Instagram platform, which has been accused by US politicians of damaging the mental health of youngsters.
	Smart droplets: Elevating tiny tech with a liquid metal signal-switching mechanism A new methodology developed by scientists from Japan allows for the precise activation of integrated sensors by manipulating the droplets' locations, thus detecting capacitance changes to estimate their positions without the need for visual confirmation. Such a strategy is invaluable in scenarios such as internal body examinations, where direct visibility is obstructed, where it outperforms conventional techniques by ensuring meticulous control over the droplets' maneuvers.
	Premier League to use semi-automated offside technology from next season The Premier League will use AI-based player tracking technology to make offside calls from next season in a move that should reduce the time it takes officials to reach their decisions.
	Aston Martin to make petrol cars 'for as long as allowed' British luxury carmaker Aston Martin Lagonda will continue to produce traditional combustion-engine vehicles for as long as legally possible, its boss told UK media this week.
	Wake-up call: Reducing road accidents with customized driver alerts EU researchers are coming up with advanced technologies to spot early signs of fatigue and erratic behavior in people behind the wheel.
	Best Buy lays off some Geek Squad, phone support workers amid shift to AI Best Buy, in a shift toward AI, laid off Geek Squad field agents, home-theater repair technicians and phone support specialists, according to current and former employees.
	Proud seafarers have strong doubts about the safety of autonomous ships Despite their great trust in on-board autopilots, bridge officers do not believe that autonomous ships will make shipping safer. Moreover, the greater the professional commitment and pride of the bridge officers, the less confidence they have in automation increasing safety at sea.
	Integrating battery storage into electrical grids can sometimes increase emissions due to market forces An electricity market analysis found adding battery storage to enhance grid reliability caused power generation markets to favor coal over natural gas.
	Apple plans to overhaul entire Mac line with AI-focused M4 chips Apple Inc., aiming to boost sluggish computer sales, is preparing to overhaul its entire Mac line with a new family of in-house processors designed to highlight artificial intelligence.
	Amazon adds Andrew Ng, a leading voice in artificial intelligence, to its board of directors Amazon is adding artificial intelligence visionary Andrew Ng to its board of directors, a move that comes amid intense AI competition among startups and big technology companies.
	The US might ban TikTok: Record labels are cutting ties, what's music's Plan B? In February, Universal Music Group, the largest record label conglomerate in the world, pulled its catalog from TikTok. Videos using music from Taylor Swift or Bad Bunny suddenly fell silent. After a contentious U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce hearing about ByteDance, the app's Chinese parent firm, and its potential risks for data security and political influence, the House overwhelmingly passed a bill in March that could force a sale or ban TikTok (President Joe Biden has said he's open to signing that bill). The Senate has held closed-door meeting on the topic, and TikTok urged its users to contact Congress to protest.
	Will AI be listening in on your future job interview? On law, technology and privacy The law and Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications need to be better aligned to ensure our personal data and privacy are protected. Ph.D. candidate Andreas Häuselmann can see opportunities with AI, but dangers if this does not happen.
	Harnessing quantum technology for industry: Cutting-edge simulations for Industry 4.0 High-quality, defect-free, and perfectly dimensioned metal components. Quantum computing power looks set to optimize production processes in the metalworking industry.

Chemistry news

	Liquid-metal transfer from anode to cathode without short circuiting University of Wollongong researchers achieved a significant milestone in novel soft-matter transport by demonstrating the transfer of liquid metal from an anode to a cathode without creating a short circuit, defying conventional expectations.
	Scientists find new ways to convert inhibitors into degraders, paving the way for future drug discoveries Researchers have discovered ways to convert inhibitor-style targeted cancer drugs into small molecules known as degraders, which help destroy cancer-promoting proteins in cells.
	Scientists find new paths to steer and optimize electrochemical processes Optimizing electrochemical reactions is essential for the transition to renewable energies. In electrochemical reactions, electric currents and potential differences are used to binding and induce reactions. Electrochemistry is a pre-requisite for hydrogen production, and for battery technology, and thus for sustainable chemistry.
	A new spin on organic shampoo makes it sudsier, longer lasting While there's no regulation in the U.S. for what's in organic shampoos, they tend to contain ingredients perceived as safe or environmentally friendly. However, these "clean" shampoos separate and spoil faster than those made with synthetic stabilizers and preservatives. Now, researchers in ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering demonstrate that a simple process—spinning organic shampoo at high speeds—improved the final products' shelf lives and ability to clean hair.

Biology news

	Discovery of the first fractal molecule in nature An international team of researchers led by groups from the Max Planck Institute in Marburg and the Philipps University in Marburg has stumbled upon the first regular molecular fractal in nature. They discovered a microbial enzyme—citrate synthase from a cyanobacterium—that spontaneously assembles into a pattern known as the Sierpinski triangle. Electron microscopy and evolutionary biochemistry studies indicate that this fractal may represent an evolutionary accident.
	Scientists discover first nitrogen-fixing organelle Modern biology textbooks assert that only bacteria can take nitrogen from the atmosphere and convert it into a form that is usable for life. Plants that fix nitrogen, such as legumes, do so by harboring symbiotic bacteria in root nodules. But a recent discovery upends that rule.
	Oxidant pollutant ozone removes mating barriers between fly species, study finds Insect pheromones are odor molecules used for chemical communication within a species. Sex pheromones play a crucial role in the mating of many insects. Species-specific odors attract males and females of the same species. At the same time, they maintain the natural boundaries between species.
	Pork labeling schemes 'not helpful' in making informed buying choices, say researchers Researchers have evaluated different types of pig farming—including woodland, organic, free range, RSPCA assured, and Red Tractor certified, to assess each systems' impact across four areas: land use (representing biodiversity loss), greenhouse gas emissions, antibiotics use and animal welfare.
	Tropical coral-infecting parasites discovered in cold marine ecosystems Parasites thought only to infect tropical coral reefs have been discovered in a large variety of creatures in cold marine ecosystems along the Northeast Pacific, according to new research from University of British Columbia botanists.
	Biologists reveal how gyrase resolves DNA entanglements Picture in your mind a traditional "landline" telephone with a coiled cord connecting the handset to the phone. The coiled telephone cord and the DNA double helix that stores the genetic material in every cell in the body have one thing in common; they both supercoil, or coil about themselves, and tangle in ways that can be difficult to undo. In the case of DNA, if this overwinding is not dealt with, essential processes such as copying DNA and cell division grind to a halt. Fortunately, cells have an ingenious solution to carefully regulate DNA supercoiling.
	Ghost roads speed destruction of Asia-Pacific tropical forests, finds study Researchers mapping tropical forests have found many more roads than declared by official sources, which is raising fears of a huge increase in environmental degradation as the pace of road building increases.
	Keys to the genome: Unlocking the package with 'pioneer transcription factors' Scientists at the Montreal Clinical Research Institute have discovered the molecular mechanisms responsible for opening up the human genome and expressing new genes.
	Female zebra finches seek mate who sings one song just right Humans aren't the only living beings who find a singing voice attractive in the opposite sex—songbirds do too. For about a third of the approximately 4,000 songbird species that sing only one song, the features that make these tunes alluring to a potential mate have been a long-standing mystery.
	Advanced microscopy technique offers a new look inside cells Imagine tuning into a football game, but all of the players are invisible except for the two quarterbacks. Without being able to see the orchestrated movements of the full teams, this would be a very confusing game to watch.
	Researchers resolve old mystery of how phages disarm pathogenic bacteria Bacterial infections pose significant challenges to agriculture and medicine, especially as cases of antibiotic-resistant bacteria continue to rise. In response, scientists at Texas A&M AgriLife Research are elucidating the ways that bacteria-infecting viruses disarm these pathogens and ushering in the possibility of novel treatment methods.
	Researchers discover the secret of how termites build their giant nests Termites are the architects of the natural world. The nests that they build can reach meters of height, with complex and elaborate structures, galleries that ensure efficient communication and that automatically ventilate the nest interior in a way that would make the envy of human engineers. How can thousands or millions of insects coordinate their work to build solid and functional nests for the colony?
	From negative results to new discoveries in chloroplast biochemistry Photosynthesis is a complex process, involving many pathways and puzzle pieces working together to keep the organism alive.
	Hybrid intelligence can reconcile biodiversity and agriculture A research team at the University of Hohenheim and Technical University of Munich has developed a new transdisciplinary approach to resolve the tradeoff between biodiversity and agricultural production.
	Machine learning model sheds new light on muscle development Life sciences have never been more digital. To learn more about life processes, biologists are collecting massive quantities of data that computer scientists analyze by means of sophisticated computational models that they develop.
	A new tool for tracing the family trees of cells EPFL researchers have developed GEMLI, a pioneering tool that could democratize and vastly improve how we study the journey of cells from their embryonic state through to specialized roles in the body, as well as their changes in cancer and other diseases. The advance is reported in Nature Communications.
	Cannibalism and genome duplication in nematodes Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Biology have produced intriguing evidence of how environmental factors and genetic adaptation can lead to the evolution of novel and aggressive traits and behaviors in nematodes.
	No two worms are alike: New study confirms that even the simplest marine organisms tend to be individualistic Sport junkie or couch potato? Always on time or often late? The animal kingdom, too, is home to a range of personalities, each with its own lifestyle. In a study just released in the journal PLOS Biology, a team led by Sören Häfker and Kristin Tessmar-Raible from the Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research (AWI) and the University of Vienna reports on a surprising discovery: Even simple marine polychaete worms shape their day-to-day lives on the basis of highly individual rhythms.
	Scientists develop biofortified rice to combat nutrient deficiencies A team from UNIGE, together with ETH Zurich and NCHU in Taiwan, has developed a rice line that has enhanced vitamin B1 content.
	What do bird dreams sound like? For more than 20 years, researchers have known that areas of birds' brains dedicated to singing show neural patterns during sleep akin to the ones they use while awake and singing.
	Ant pheromones may help protect hikers and campers from ticks If you're outside enjoying the spring sunshine, then chances are, ticks are too. However, new research from Simon Fraser University (SFU) suggests the use of ant pheromones as a topical repellent, or as an environmental barrier, may help protect hikers and campers from the harmful bites of black-legged ticks, which could carry Lyme disease.
	Scientists find blue light makes buildings more deadly to migrating birds Bird collisions with buildings are nothing new, but a new study by scientists at The University of New Mexico sheds light on a potential cause.
	Researchers develop method to extract useful proteins from beer-brewing leftovers Researchers from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore), have created a method that extracts more than 80% of the available protein in grain leftovers from brewing beer, commonly known as brewers' spent grain.
	New study reveals novel approach for combating 'resting' bacteria Most disease-causing bacteria are known for their speed: In mere minutes, they can double their population, quickly making a person sick. But just as dangerous as this rapid growth can be a bacterium's resting state, which helps the pathogen evade antibiotics and contributes to severe chronic infections in the lungs and blood, within wounds, and on the surfaces of medical devices.
	Traces of DNA in the stomachs of predatory snails provide new insights into the ecology of placozoans Placozoans are among the simplest animals and occur worldwide in coastal waters. It was previously assumed that the tiny creatures, which measure just a few millimeters, live either on hard surfaces—such as rocks, corals, and mangrove roots—or float in open coastal waters as so-called "swarmer" stages.
	New study finds potential targets at chromosome ends for degenerative disease prevention We depend on our cells being able to divide and multiply, whether it's to replace sunburnt skin or replenish our blood supply and recover from injury. Chromosomes, which carry all of our genetic instructions, must be copied in a complete way during cell division. Telomeres, which cap the ends of chromosomes, play a critical role in this cell-renewal process—with a direct bearing on health and disease.
	Scientists create octopus survival guide to minimize impacts of fishing Octopuses have been around for hundreds of millions of years, but did you know that most only live for a few years, dying soon after mating or laying eggs? Until now that hasn't been a problem, but octopus catches have doubled in recent decades as the world strives to meet the nutritional demands of a rising global population.
	Scientists are grasping at straws while trying to protect infant corals from hungry fish South Florida researchers trying to prevent predatory fish from devouring laboratory-grown coral are grasping at biodegradable straws in an effort to restore what some call the rainforest of the sea.
	Swifts need more nest boxes, but that alone won't be enough. Here's why Swifts need two things. Safe, dry, nest holes high up on walls and lots of flying insects to eat—but both are in decreasing supply.
	Elephant tourism often involves cruelty. Here are steps toward more humane, animal-friendly excursions Suju Kali is a 50-year-old elephant in Nepal who has been carrying tourists for over 30 years. Like many elephants I encounter through my research, Suju Kali exhibits anxiety and can be aggressive toward strangers. She suffers from emotional trauma as a result of prolonged, commercial human contact.
	Why some of British Columbia's kelp forests are in more danger than others Lush underwater forests formed by large brown seaweeds known as kelp are among the most abundant and productive coastal ecosystems in Canada.
	Why intending to conserve an area for only 25 years should not count in Australia's 30% land protection target Protected areas have been the cornerstone of efforts to conserve nature for more than a century. Most countries have some form of protected areas, national parks being the best-known examples. A key element of protected areas is that they are dedicated, through legal or other effective means, to long-term conservation of nature.
	Researchers develop standard methodology for the sensory analysis of wine Research involving the University of the Basque Country has resulted in a methodology to reliably and objectively analyze the sensory characteristics of wine. This is a standard tool that uses a single methodology to analyze the gustatory, olfactory and visual properties of different types of wine from the 11 Catalan designations of origin, and which can easily be applied to other designations of origin.
	Genetic underpinnings of environmental stress identified in model plant Plants can be temperamental. Even weeds along the side of highways or pushing their way up in the cracks of concrete sidewalks can get stressed out by dehydration, cold, excess salt and more. Researchers at Hiroshima University have identified 14 genes that thale cress—a plant commonly used in genetic investigations since its genome is well documented—express more when responding to five specific stressors, as well as eight genes that the plant suppresses.
	Research finds dairy farmers receptive to methane-reducing seaweed feed New England's dairy industry continues to evolve in response to significant market challenges that include a decreased demand for milk and higher production and land costs. However, there is also ongoing evidence that organic dairy farming can provide environmental benefits—such as reducing methane emissions—which could further differentiate their products as well as help qualify farms for new government initiatives to reduce methane through innovative management practices.
	Developing nutrient-rich fertilizer from toxic ammonia Researchers have recently found out how to use algae to convert ammonia and nitrates into a nutrient-rich fertilizer or fish feed ingredients.
	Researchers map 33 new big game migrations across American West A new set of maps that document the movements of ungulates was published today in the fourth volume of the Ungulate Migrations of the Western United States. The maps in this collaborative U.S. Geological Survey report series reveal the migration routes and critical ranges used by ungulates, or hooved mammals, in the western U.S., furthering scientists' understanding of the geography of big game migrations.
	Ghanaians love rice—how smallholder farmers could harvest more of it with the help of machines Rice has become a big part of Ghanaians' daily diet. The country consumes about 1.45 million tons a year—but produces only 987,000 tons, approximately 68% of that.

Medicine and Health news

	AI model has potential to detect risk of childbirth-related PTSD Researchers have adapted an artificial intelligence (AI) program to identify signs of childbirth-related post-traumatic stress disorder (CB-PTSD) by evaluating short narrative statements of patients who have given birth.
	Scientists discover groups of spinal cord neurons that allow for brain-independent motor learning Aya Takeoka at the RIKEN Center for Brain Science (CBS) in Japan and colleagues have discovered the neural circuitry in the spinal cord that allows brain-independent motor learning. Published in Science, the study found two critical groups of spinal cord neurons, one necessary for new adaptive learning, and another for recalling adaptations once they have been learned. The findings could help scientists develop ways to assist motor recovery after spinal cord injury.
	Survey of mental health and exposure to blasts reveals differences among displaced people who remained in Ukraine Researchers from the International Blast Injury Research Network at the University of Southampton conducted a survey to understand how the mental health of displaced Ukrainians has been affected by the ongoing war. Their findings, published in PLOS Global Public Health, describe high levels of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and generalized anxiety among both refugees and people displaced within Ukraine.
	Scientists use wearable technology to detect stress levels during sleep What if changes in a person's stress levels could be detected while they sleep using wearable devices? A new study by University of Vermont researchers published in PLOS Digital Health is the first to find changes in perceived stress levels reflected in sleep data—an important step towards identifying biomarkers that may help flag individuals in need of support.
	New treatment approach shows promise in hard-to-treat pediatric cancers Researchers have developed a functional precision medicine approach that targets cancer by combining genetic testing with a new way to test individual drugs on tumor samples. The results of the clinical study were published in Nature Medicine.
	Blood stem cells unlock clues for helping sepsis patients fight recurring infections Severe sepsis from bacterial or viral infections can be life-threatening and even people recovering from severe sepsis may experience long-lasting effects on the immune system, making them more susceptible to recurrent infections. The causes for this sepsis-induced immune suppression are not well understood and lack an effective treatment.
	Scientists uncover key resistance mechanism to Wnt inhibitors in pancreatic and colorectal cancers Scientists at Duke-NUS Medical School have uncovered why some pancreatic and colorectal cancers fail to respond to Wnt inhibitors, a promising new class of cancer drugs currently under development for these cancers. Their discovery, published in Science Advances, not only offers a new cancer therapy target but also a potential screening tool to identify those patients who will not benefit from this new therapy once it becomes available.
	Potential therapeutic target for small cell lung cancer discovered Northwestern Medicine investigators have discovered that inhibiting a chromatin remodeling complex associated with a particular gene in small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) cells may decrease cancer cell differentiation and tumor growth, according to findings published in Nature Communications.
	Researchers stimulate gene that enhances CAR T-cell treatments for solid tumors Researchers at Peter Mac have overcome a major barrier that could see a revolutionary immunotherapy treatment becoming successful on patients with solid cancer types.
	Q&A: New technology may help identify neuromotor disease symptoms in infants A team of researchers led by Huanyu "Larry" Cheng, the James L. Henderson, Jr. Memorial Associate Professor of Engineering Science and Mechanics (ESM) at Penn State, tested the use of wearable sensors paired with a "tiny" machine learning algorithm to automatically monitor and evaluate general movements in infants.
	Infections after surgery are more likely due to bacteria already on your skin than from microbes in the hospital: Study Health care providers and patients have traditionally thought that infections patients get while in the hospital are caused by superbugs they're exposed to while they're in a medical facility. Genetic data from the bacteria causing these infections—think CSI for E. coli—tells another story: Most health care-associated infections are caused by previously harmless bacteria that patients already had on their bodies before they even entered the hospital.
	Sad music study tests the direct effect hypothesis of 'pleasurable negative emotion' A new study proposes a novel theory of why listening to sad music can make us feel good.
	Synthetic platelets stanch bleeding, promote healing in animal models Researchers have developed synthetic platelets that can be used to stop bleeding and enhance healing at the site of an injury. The researchers have demonstrated that the synthetic platelets work well in animal models but have not yet begun clinical trials in humans.
	Study lays the basis for new perspectives on gastrointestinal diseases The transition from the esophagus to the stomach is a delicate region from a medical point of view, often associated with pathological disorders leading to cancer. An international research team has now gained new insights into this region that will pave the way for new prevention and treatment options.
	Decoding spontaneous thoughts from the brain via machine learning A team of researchers led by Kim Hong Ji and Woo Choong-Wan at the Center for Neuroscience Imaging Research (CNIR) within the Institute for Basic Science (IBS), in collaboration with Emily FINN at Dartmouth College, has unlocked a new realm of understanding within the human brain.
	New hypothesis emerges on Parkinson's disease's origins and spread The nose or the gut? For the past two decades, the scientific community has debated the wellspring of the toxic proteins at the source of Parkinson's disease. In 2003, a German pathologist, Heiko Braak, MD, first proposed that the disease begins outside the brain.
	New microfluidic device for cancer detection achieves precise separation of tumor entities Understanding the nature of malignant effusions, teeming with tumor cells and clusters, is critical in comprehending the breadth of cancer's impact. The significant role of tumor clusters, with their heightened potential for metastasis compared to individual cells, cannot be overstated in the context of comprehensive cancer care.
	Scientists say outdated diabetes drug still has something to offer Thiazolidinediones (TZDs) are a class of drug that can be used to treat type 2 diabetes by reversing insulin resistance, one of the main hallmarks of the disease. While TZDs were extremely popular in the 1990s and early 2000s, they have fallen out of use among physicians in recent decades because they were discovered to cause unwanted side effects, including weight gain and excess fluid accumulation in body tissues.
	Study confirms how RNA chemical modifications benefit HIV-1 A chemical modification in the HIV-1 RNA genome whose function has been a matter of scientific debate is now confirmed to be key to the virus's ability to survive and thrive after infecting host cells, a new study has found.
	Researchers identify safety of a potential new treatment to manage complications from sickle cell disease A drug approved to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension may be effective at managing hypertension and end-organ damage in patients with sickle cell disease, according to a new study published in Lancet Haematology.
	Successful murine model of dermatomyositis reveals underlying immune system involvement Some diseases involve autoimmune reactions when the body begins to attack its own cells and proteins. The biological mechanisms underlying these diseases are often unknown, making treatment challenging. Now, a group at TMDU has created a murine model for a disease known as "anti-MDA5 antibody-positive dermatomyositis." The use of this model has allowed them to identify components of the immune system that are vital in disease development, with implications for future treatments.
	Study unpicks why childhood maltreatment continues to impact on mental and physical health into adulthood Individuals who experienced maltreatment in childhood—such as emotional, physical, and sexual abuse or emotional and physical neglect—are more likely to develop mental illness throughout their entire lives, but it is not yet well understood why this risk persists. Many decades after maltreatment first took place.
	New AI method captures uncertainty in medical images In biomedicine, segmentation involves annotating pixels from an important structure in a medical image, like an organ or cell. Artificial intelligence models can help clinicians by highlighting pixels that may show signs of a certain disease or anomaly.
	Researchers identify new genetic risk factors for persistent HPV infections Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the second most common cancer-causing virus, accounting for 690,000 cervical and other cancers each year worldwide. While the immune system usually clears HPV infections, those that persist can lead to cancer, and a new finding suggests that certain women may have a genetic susceptibility for persistent or frequent HPV infections.
	Artificial intelligence can help people feel heard, study finds A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences has found that AI-generated messages made recipients feel more "heard" than messages generated by untrained humans, and that AI was better at detecting emotions than these individuals. However, recipients reported feeling less heard when they learned a message came from AI.
	Case study of 4-year-old with Down syndrome and sleep apnea suggests procedure can be effective at young ages While Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) affects about 5% of the general pediatric population, 80% of children with Down syndrome experience OSA. Continual OSA results in poor health, including disruptions to cognitive development and functioning, leading physician-researchers from Mass General Brigham to investigate better methods to treat these patients as early as possible to maximize their health outcomes.
	Study finds esketamine injection just after childbirth reduces depression in new mothers A single low dose injection of esketamine given immediately after childbirth reduces major depressive episodes in individuals with depressive symptoms during pregnancy (prenatal depression), finds a clinical trial published by The BMJ today.
	Economic burden of childhood verbal abuse by adults estimated at $300 billion globally Childhood verbal abuse by adults costs society an estimated $300 billion (£239 billion) a year globally, show findings presented at the first international conference on childhood verbal abuse, hosted by UCL, Words Matter and the World Health Organization (WHO).
	Robotically assisted lung transplants are on the horizon, say researchers While debating the pros and cons of robotically assisted lung transplantation, Albert Jauregui, MD, Ph.D. told attendees at the Annual Meeting and Scientific Sessions of the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation (ISHLT), today in Prague that the time for robotic surgery is now.
	Transmission risk of multidrug-resistant bacteria appears highest in hospital sinks A new study published today in the American Journal of Infection Control (AJIC) reports the infection prevention steps taken to control a months-long, multispecies outbreak of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales that occurred in a pediatric ward at the Toho University Omori Medical Center in Tokyo in 2017. This study highlights the particular vulnerability for contamination through sinks and other water sources; indeed, even replacing all sinks in the ward did not stop this outbreak.
	Colorless, odorless gas likely linked to alarming rise in non-smoking lung cancer Although lung cancer is traditionally thought of as a "smoker's disease," a surprising 15–20% of newly diagnosed lung cancers occur in people who have never smoked, many of whom are in their 40s or 50s.
	Novel CT exam reduces need for invasive artery treatment A new study shows that a non-invasive imaging test can help identify patients with coronary artery blockage or narrowing who need a revascularization procedure. The findings were published as a Special Report in Radiology: Cardiothoracic Imaging.
	High rate of death soon after release from jail is avoidable: Researchers call for coordinated whole government response More than 30 million people worldwide pass through prisons every year, including almost 70,000 in Australia.
	People who use willpower alone to achieve goals, resist temptation, deemed more trustworthy People who use willpower to overcome temptations and achieve their goals are perceived as more trustworthy than those who use strategies that involve external incentives or deterrents—such as swear jars or internet-blocking apps—according to research published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology.
	Study supports use of cystic fibrosis drug in infants from four weeks of age A cystic fibrosis drug targeting the basic defect that causes the condition has been shown to be safe and effective in newborns aged four weeks and above, new research involving RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences and Children's Health Ireland has found.
	Study finds embryos in hungry mouse moms postpone development It's challenging to sustain a pregnancy when food is short, or conditions are otherwise tough. That's why many mammalian embryos can postpone their growth to get through periods of environmental stress and then re-enter development when conditions improve. This stalling of development is known as embryonic diapause, and understanding the mechanisms behind it might help improve infertility treatments, such as embryo freezing.
	Consumer reports warns of concerning levels of lead, sodium in Lunchables Lunchables, those ubiquitous plastic packets of cheese, deli meats and crackers that many parents choose for convenience, contain concerning levels of lead and sodium, Consumer Reports warns.
	Preventive mastectomy less common for black women with breast cancer Black women with cancer in one breast are less likely than white women to have the healthy breast removed as well, a new study has found.
	The horrors of temporomandibular joint disorders: Chronic pain, metal jaws and futile treatments A TMJ patient in Maine had six surgeries to replace part or all of the joints of her jaw. Another woman in California, desperate for relief, used a screwdriver to lengthen her jawbone daily, turning screws that protruded from her neck.
	Rare fungal infection reported in two cats, vet tech A rare fungal infection has been diagnosed in two cats and a vet tech who treated one of the animals, a new report warns.
	FDA approves Dovato for teens living with HIV The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Dovato (dolutegravir/lamivudine) for adolescents living with HIV.
	What patients can ask surgeons to help prevent a particularly harmful error When a surgeon accidentally leaves a surgical tool inside a patient's body after a procedure, the harm can be severe. The patient can suffer from life-threatening infections, organ damage, and an additional surgery to remove the object.
	Eye infections might seem like a minor complaint, but in some cases they can cause blindness and even death When you think of eye infections, what comes to mind? Puffy, swollen bruised feeling eyelids that get glued together with gunk overnight? That feeling of having grit in your eye that can't be cleaned away? Eye infections may seem like a relatively minor—if unsightly and inconvenient—complaint, but they can also be far more serious.
	Personalized cancer treatments based on testing drugs quickly leads to faster treatment, better outcomes Despite many efforts to find better, more effective ways to treat cancer, it remains a leading cause of death by disease among children in the U.S.
	From RSV to meningococcal B, we must ensure equitable access to childhood immunizations As we look towards the peak season for respiratory viruses, the announcement of new respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) immunization programs for children in a number of Australian states is welcome news.
	Newly discovered genetic variant that causes Parkinson's disease clarifies why the condition develops and how to halt it Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative movement disorder that progresses relentlessly. It gradually impairs a person's ability to function until they ultimately become immobile and often develop dementia. In the U.S. alone, over a million people are afflicted with Parkinson's, and new cases and overall numbers are steadily increasing.
	Young people are getting unhappier: Lack of childhood freedom and independence may be partly to blame Experts often highlight social media and harsh economic times as key reasons why young people are getting unhappier. And while those factors are important, I would like to emphasize another.
	Surgery won't fix my chronic back pain, so what will? This week's ABC Four Corners episode Pain Factory highlighted that our health system is failing Australians with chronic pain. Patients are receiving costly, ineffective and risky care instead of effective, low-risk treatments for chronic pain.
	Most patients treated by public psychiatric outpatient clinics are women aged 45 on average, Brazilian study finds More than 75% of the patients treated at the psychiatric outpatient clinic of Hospital de Base in São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo state (Brazil), are women with a mean age of 45 and suffering from sadness, anxiety, and irritability, according to a study reported in the journal Frontiers in Psychiatry.
	Study shows air pollution is associated with increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease A new Emory University study has found that adults exposed to high levels of air pollution were at an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.
	In the drive to deprescribe, heartburn drug study teaches key lessons Whether it's costs, safety risks, or "pill fatigue" they're trying to reduce, many health systems and clinics have started working on ways to encourage the deprescribing of medications that patients may not need.
	Chemicals stored in home garages linked to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis risk Over the last decade, researchers at the University of Michigan have continued to find that exposure to environmental toxins—from pesticides used in agriculture to volatile organic compounds in the manufacturing industry—is linked to the development of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS.
	New study validates prediction rules for pediatric intra-abdominal and traumatic brain injuries Delivering high-quality emergency care for kids may mean fewer CT scans, according to a new study from UC Davis Health's Department of Emergency Medicine.
	Depression in young people being driven by internet addiction, say researchers Spending excessive time online is causing daytime sleepiness and symptoms of depression in adolescents, a major international study led by researchers at the University of Derby has found.
	Family-focused interventions for African Americans with cancer The moment you're told the dreaded words: "You have cancer," your life changes forever. A parent diagnosed with cancer goes through a rollercoaster of emotions from guilt and shame to resiliency.
	A new diagnostic model offers hope for Alzheimer's A new mathematical model offers hope for better prediction and treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Most mathematical models of Alzheimer's are theoretical, focusing on short term molecular and cellular-level changes that cannot be measured in patients.
	New focus for chronic liver disease care Developing improved care models for decompensated liver disease is one of the major clinical challenges in gastroenterology and hepatology, and in a recent landmark study, published in Hepatology, researches from Flinders Medical Center and Flinders University provide evidence that improved models of care can benefit patients with decompensated cirrhosis.
	Surgical removal beneficial for acute intracerebral hemorrhage For patients with an acute intracerebral hemorrhage, minimally invasive surgical removal is associated with improved outcomes, according to a study published in the April 11 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
	Researchers review use of MRI to identify brain cancer biomarkers Researchers from the School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences (BMEIS) have published a systematic review in Neuro-Oncology Advances exploring the use of MRI imaging techniques to identify non-invasive biomarkers in brain cancer.
	A small robot car can reduce children's stress before surgery Undergoing medical treatment, having surgery or simply being admitted to hospital are situations that make children fearful and anxious, especially during early childhood. And in addition to having a short-term impact, their subsequent psychological, social and educational development may also be affected.
	Elucidating the link between Guillain–Barré syndrome and Takotsubo cardiomyopathy Barré syndrome (GBS) is a rare immune-mediated peripheral neuropathy that can cause permanent disability and even death and be quite severe to manage. In this acute disorder, which typically triggers after a respiratory or gastrointestinal tract infection, the body's immune system attacks its own peripheral nerves, damaging the myelin sheaths or axons that constitute peripheral nerves. If left unchecked, GBS can lead to weakness, numbness, and ultimately paralysis.
	Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy increase risk of cardiovascular death after giving birth, study finds Rutgers Health researchers have found that hypertensive disorders in pregnancy are strongly associated with fatal cardiovascular disease for up to a year after birth.
	Study reveals HDL-C and ferritin as crucial markers for long COVID-19 severity Long COVID-19, or post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), is a global health phenomenon characterized by persistent symptoms following the acute phase of COVID-19.
	Parents tending backyard poultry can pass along dangerous salmonella to infants A days-old newborn in Oregon was sickened with salmonella that may have been transmitted from parents who tended infected poultry located 150 miles away, a new report finds. The work is published in the journal MMWR. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
	A growing understanding of the link between movement and health A century ago, people threw medicine balls and did calisthenics to stay fit. Then came the hula hoop, vibrating belts and aerobics. People sweated to the oldies with Richard Simmons and felt the burn with Jane Fonda, before dancing their way into Latin-inspired cardio workouts or joining a high-intensity fitness program. During the pandemic, exercise bicycling boomed.
	Team reports on multifractal detection of the early stages of multiple sclerosis Multiple sclerosis is a disease mainly associated with the slowing down of information processing and a lack of motor coordination. It is an incurable disease that leads to degeneration of the central nervous system, manifesting as motor and sensory disturbances.
	US measles cases are up in 2024. What's driving the increase? Measles outbreaks in the U.S. and abroad are raising health experts' concern about the preventable, once-common childhood virus.
	Underused heart program could reduce hospital readmissions and lower risk of death Referring people to a specialized rehabilitation program following a cardiac incident could reduce the chance they will be readmitted to hospital and potentially lower their risk of death, according to new Flinders University research—but improvements need to be made to ensure patients take part.
	Exploring the role of artificial intelligence in early cancer detection Two new review articles in AI in Precision Oncology explore the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in early cancer detection. A primer provides an overview of AI, and the second review examines the promising clinical applications of AI in early cancer detection.
	COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness: Results from Norway demonstrate the reproducibility of federated analytics Researchers from NDORMS and the University of Oslo have successfully replicated findings from recently published international studies on the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines to prevent long COVID and post-acute complications.
	Study shows effect of socio-economic factors that predict diabetic patients' risk of heart failure A recent study by Case Western Reserve University used national data from U.S. military veterans with diabetes to validate and modify a widely accepted model used to predict the risk of heart failure in diabetic patients.
	Anemia may contribute to higher female mortality during heart surgery Women are at higher risk of death when undergoing heart bypass surgery than men. Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine have determined that this disparity is mediated, to a large extent, by intraoperative anemia—the loss of red blood cells during surgery.
	Research team develops novel PTPN2/N1 inhibitor for cancer immunotherapy using generative AI In recent years, cancer immunotherapy, exemplified by PD-1 and its ligand PD-L1 blockade, has made remarkable advances. But while immunotherapy drugs offer new treatment possibilities, only about 20% to 40% of patients respond to these treatments. The majority either don't respond or develop drug resistance. Researchers are now looking for ways to enhance the scope of tumor immunotherapy in order to benefit a wider range of patients.
	PET/MRI found to accurately classify prostate cancer patients, offer potential to avoid unnecessary biopsies PET/MRI can improve diagnostic accuracy for prostate cancer patients and help avoid unnecessary biopsies, according to new research published in the Journal of Nuclear Medicine. By applying the PRIMARY scoring system to PET/MRI results, researchers found that more than 80% of unnecessary biopsies could be avoided at the expense of missing one in eight clinically significant prostate cancer cases.
	Q&A: Can weight loss drugs help in addiction treatment? In recent years, the popularity of drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy has skyrocketed. While this new class of drugs, called GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs, are approved for use in diabetes and for weight loss, researchers have found that they might help with other conditions too, like cardiovascular disease and addiction. They've made such a splash that the journal Science named GLP-1 drugs the 2023 Breakthrough of the Year.
	Engineering students' device could make intubation safer for young babies TinyTrach, a team of interdisciplinary engineering students from Rice University, has created an innovative pediatric endotracheal tube (ETT) integrated with a camera and anchoring system that could make intubation procedures safer for babies 1 month and older by ensuring precise placement, stable anchoring and visibility access for up to 14 days.
	Attacks on emergency room workers prompt debate over tougher penalties Patients hurl verbal abuse at Michelle Ravera every day in the emergency room. Physical violence is less common, she said, but has become a growing threat.
	NZ's mental health care is in crisis, but research shows how to shorten wait times and keep staff New Zealand's youth mental health care continues to experience a rolling crisis with long waiting times for services. There have been calls to expand the mental health workforce and to diversify the range of available services.
	Analysis identifies areas for improvement in the overall health of Canada's population Understanding the trends in the health of a country's population is crucial for developing effective public health policies and predicting future demand for health services.
	Cardiovascular care centered on the patient is key and helps improve equity and outcomes, say experts Adult cardiovascular care centered on the patient can improve individuals' experiences and their medical outcomes, according to a new American Heart Association Scientific Statement published today in Circulation.
	Can a good night's sleep protect collision sport athletes against concussion? Australians love collision sports, whether it's Aussie Rules, Rugby League or Rugby Union.
	Study finds alcohol emergency department presentations increasing among older New Zealanders Findings from a new University of Otago, Christchurch, study suggest alcohol harm is becoming more prevalent among older New Zealanders but less so among youth, with alcohol-related presentations placing a significant but preventable burden on the motu's over-stretched hospital emergency departments.
	Researchers test new behavioral health interventions The concept of One Health—which emphasizes the relationship between human, animal, plant and environmental health—has been gaining ground in scientific discussions in recent years. Brazilian and North American researchers developing research using this approach presented their work on Tuesday, April 9, in Chicago (United States), during FAPESP Week Illinois.

Other Sciences news

	Team finds evidence of commonly conducted ritualized human sacrifice across Europe in the Stone Age A team of archaeologists affiliated with several institutions in France and one in Germany has found that ritualized human sacrifice was common across Europe during the Neolithic.
	Pacific cities found to be much older than previously thought New evidence of one of the first cities in the Pacific shows they were established much earlier than previously thought, according to new research from The Australian National University (ANU).
	Write angry thoughts down and shred them, Japan study advises When you next see red, don't snap at your colleagues or scream into a pillow—writing down your feelings, then shredding or throwing them away is an effective way to calm down, a Japanese study has found.
	'Pretty privilege': Attractive people considered more trustworthy, research confirms What makes a person beautiful has fascinated artists and scientists for centuries. Beauty is not, as it is often assumed to be, "in the eye of the beholder"—but follows certain predictable rules. Symmetry and proportions play a role, and though culture and norms shape our perception of beauty, researchers observe a consistently striking agreement among people on whom they regard as beautiful.
	How hybrid work is reinventing management When it arrived en masse for the COVID pandemic, remote working was hailed as an arrangement that boosted work-life balance and slashed commuter-related misery and pollution. But it would appear its golden days are over.
	An economist explains: Textbook economics is badly flawed when it comes to climate change The federal carbon tax increase that has raised gas prices by three cents per liter in most Canadian provinces has been met by nationwide protests, many featuring slurs against Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
	What is happening to US higher education? Recent technological advancements and new players have shaken up various industries, like entertainment and transportation. Now, these same changes are affecting higher education in America. New research out of Vanderbilt Business uses Layton's marketing systems theory to understand the disruptions of the academic system.
	Americans think AI will harm privacy and elections: Report Americans are quite worried about the role artificial intelligence will play in both politics and society, according to a new report by the Polarization Research Lab.
	Team develops method to help investors predict firms' decision-making, optimize portfolios, generate greater returns Top management teams at most businesses are charged with maximizing shareholder wealth, making any actions that impede this goal their sole responsibility.
	Firms embracing diversity may trade short-term pain for long-term gain Short-term pain for long-term gain: That might be one way to describe the results of new research from the Alberta School of Business on the impact of diversity and inclusion (D&I) practices on business firms.
	Food security in developed countries shows resilience to climate change A study by the University of Southampton has found that market forces have provided good food price stability over the past half century, despite extreme weather conditions.
	Economist: Tens of billions of dollars in forest products are being overlooked In the Roman Empire, custom taxes on spices, black pepper in particular, accounted for up to a third of the empire's annual income. During the late Middle Ages, European efforts to cut out middlemen and monopolize the spice trade led to colonization in Asia. Historically, non-timber forest products have frequently played a key role in the global economy.
	'Branded access offers' dilute parent brand via perceived lack of consumer commitment: Study Why buy when you can rent? From cars to high-end clothing, the short-term renting or sharing of consumer goods through "branded access offers" has become an increasingly popular alternative to the traditional ownership model. But such time-limited consumption may have unintended consequences for the parent brands that offer them, according to a new study co-written by a University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign expert in consumer-brand relationships.
	Innovation linked to international exports for both rural and urban firms A new study led by Penn State researchers finds that U.S. firms actively engaged in creating innovative products or processes are more likely to expand into international markets. The findings, which apply to both rural and urban companies, could inform efforts to boost U.S. exports.
	Israel accused of using AI to target thousands in Gaza, as killer algorithms outpace international law The Israeli army used a new artificial intelligence (AI) system to generate lists of tens of thousands of human targets for potential airstrikes in Gaza, according to a report published last week. The report comes from the nonprofit outlet +972 Magazine, which is run by Israeli and Palestinian journalists.
	Technology makes it easy for lawyers to work across borders. Regulations should too The rules of legal practice are highly localized. Every country sets rules that determine how lawyers qualify professionally and what they are allowed to do.
	Domestic violence survivors seek homeless services from a system that often leaves them homeless About 1 in every 3 women, and 1 in 4 men, will experience domestic violence over their lifetime. Since domestic violence can escalate to the point of serious injury or murder, survivors must take action to increase their safety—potentially even fleeing their homes.
	Most countries do not take a fair share of refugees. Here's how we could incentivize them Since its introduction in 1951, the UN refugee convention has been the basis for the global refugee system. It defines who a refugee is and outlines the rights they are entitled to.
	Survey tallies consumer attitudes toward lab-grown meat alternatives Many consumers view conventional meats as both tastier and healthier than laboratory-grown alternatives, according to the March Consumer Food Insights Report.

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