Science X Newsletter Thu, Apr 25

Dear ,

Here is your customized Science X Newsletter for April 25, 2024:

Spotlight Stories Headlines

Demonstration of heralded three-photon entanglement on a photonic chip

Study explores why human-inspired machines can be perceived as eerie

Recently discovered black hole is part of a nearby disrupted star cluster, study finds

First experimental proof for brain-like computer with water and salt

Link between depression and cardiovascular disease explained: They partly develop from same gene module

Genetic variations may predispose people to Parkinson's disease following long-term pesticide exposure, study finds

Emperor penguins perish as ice melts to new lows: Study

Ancient giant tortoise fossils found in Colombian Andes

Using AI to improve diagnosis of rare genetic disorders

Airborne single-photon lidar system achieves high-resolution 3D imaging

Barley plants fine-tune their root microbial communities through sugary secretions

Yeast study offers possible answer to why some species are generalists and others specialists

Scientists discover method to prevent coalescence in immiscible liquids

Scientists regenerate neural pathways in mice with cells from rats

First-of-its-kind study shows that conservation actions are effective at halting and reversing biodiversity loss

Nanotechnology news

Diamond dust as a potential alternative to contrast agent gadolinium in magnetic resonance imaging An unexpected discovery surprised a scientist at the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems in Stuttgart: Nanometer-sized diamond particles, which were intended for a completely different purpose, shone brightly in a magnetic resonance imaging experiment—much brighter than the actual contrast agent, the heavy metal gadolinium.

Physics news

	Demonstration of heralded three-photon entanglement on a photonic chip Photonic quantum computers are computational tools that leverage quantum physics and utilize particles of light (i.e., photons) as units of information processing. These computers could eventually outperform conventional quantum computers in terms of speed, while also transmitting information across longer distances.
	First experimental proof for brain-like computer with water and salt Theoretical physicists at Utrecht University, together with experimental physicists at Sogang University in South Korea, have succeeded in building an artificial synapse. This synapse works with water and salt and provides the first evidence that a system using the same medium as our brains can process complex information.
	Airborne single-photon lidar system achieves high-resolution 3D imaging Researchers have developed a compact and lightweight single-photon airborne lidar system that can acquire high-resolution 3D images with a low-power laser. This advance could make single-photon lidar practical for air and space applications such as environmental monitoring, 3D terrain mapping and object identification.
	IRIS beamline at BESSY II gets a new nanospectroscopy end station The IRIS infrared beamline at the BESSY II storage ring now offers a fourth option for characterizing materials, cells and even molecules on different length scales. The team has extended the IRIS beamline with an end station for nanospectroscopy and nanoimaging that enables spatial resolutions down to below 30 nanometers. The instrument is also available to external user groups.
	Quasi-2D spin-Peierls transition through interstitial anionic electrons in K(NH₃)₂ In a paper published in Science Bulletin, a Chinese team of scientists predicts a novel electride K(NH3)2, with interstitial electrons distributed at cages formed by six ammonia molecules and forming a quasi-2D triangular lattice. They have revealed that this material undergoes a spin-Peierls phase transition under moderate pressures.

Earth news

	Study shows the longer spilled oil lingers in freshwater, the more persistent compounds it produces Oil is an important natural resource for many industries, but it can lead to serious environmental damage when accidentally spilled. While large oil spills are highly publicized, every year, there are many smaller-scale spills into lakes, rivers, and oceans.
	Study says it's likely a warmer world made deadly Dubai downpours heavier Circumstantial evidence points to climate change as worsening the deadly deluge that just flooded Dubai and other parts of the Persian Gulf, but scientists didn't discover the definitive fingerprints of greenhouse gas-triggered warming they have seen in other extreme weather events, a new report found.
	Cocaine is an emerging contaminant of concern in the Bay of Santos (Brazil), says researcher In addition to already known pollutants, the Bay of Santos—a city in the state of São Paulo (Brazil) that is home to the largest seaport in Latin America—has been affected by an emerging contaminant that is now present not only in the water but also in sediments and marine organisms throughout the São Paulo coastal region: cocaine.
	Scientists say voluntary corporate emissions targets not enough to create real climate action Companies' emissions reduction targets should not be the sole measure of corporate climate ambition, according to a new perspective paper.
	Warming Arctic reduces dust levels in parts of the planet, study finds Climate change is a global phenomenon, but its impacts are felt at a very local level. Take, for example, dust. Dust can have a huge impact on local air quality, food security, energy supply and public health. Yet, little is known about how global climate change is impacting dust levels.
	Managing meandering waterways in a changing world Just as water moves through a river, rivers themselves move across the landscape. They carve valleys and canyons, create floodplains and deltas, and transport sediment from the uplands to the ocean.
	Spring snow, sparkling in the sun, can reveal more than just good skiing conditions One might think that snow, of all things, is easy to describe: it is cold, white and covers the landscape like a blanket. What else is there to say about it?
	Escape the vapes: Scientists call for global shift to curb consumer use of disposable technologies Scientists have called for a concerted global effort to stem the tide of disposable electronic technologies—such as vapes—contributing to international waste accumulation and environmental degradation.
	New research predicts peak groundwater extraction for key basins around the globe Groundwater withdrawals are expected to peak in about one-third of the world's basins by 2050, potentially triggering significant trade and agriculture shifts, a new analysis finds.
	Indian nuclear facilities found to have radioactive influence on Southern Tibetan Plateau A study published in Environmental Science & Technology Letters has shed light on the long-range transboundary transport of radioactive iodine-129 (129I) from the Indian nuclear fuel reprocessing plants (NFRPs) to the Southern Tibetan Plateau (STP).
	Solar geoengineering to cool the planet: Is it worth the risks? When I first wrote about geoengineering in 2012 , it was considered far-fetched at best, and crazy by most. But 12 years later, while there is still controversy and considerable resistance to deploying it, respectable scientists and institutions are pushing for more research into geoengineering—the deliberate and large-scale intervention in our climate system to moderate global warming.
	How marketing classes can rescue 'ugly produce' from becoming food waste At a time of rising food costs and growing food insecurity, a large percentage of food grown for consumption never reaches our tables.
	The UK's Climate Change Act, once the envy of the world, faces a stress test The Scottish government's decision to row back on its 2030 climate pledge illustrates the crux of any target: it's easy to set one with a big political flourish, but harder to follow through with a careful plan to achieve it.
	A better way to predict Arctic riverbank erosion Arctic riverbanks are typically resilient, thanks to the power of permafrost. This permanently frozen soil locks in sediment, leading to low erosion rates. But as Arctic river water warms due to climate change, some researchers worry that riverbanks in the region will thaw and crumble. This, in turn, could cause problems, including the release of stored soil carbon and damage to infrastructure near rivers.
	Drinking water in low-income communities is more likely to be contaminated by 'forever chemicals,' research finds PFAS, or forever chemicals, are widespread and more likely to be found in public water systems serving low-income communities and communities of color in New Jersey, according to new research from Northeastern University.
	Did climate chaos cultivate or constrain 2023's greenery? In the ongoing quest to track the progression of climate change, scientists frequently examine the state of our planet's vegetation—forests, grasslands, agricultural lands, and beyond.
	Heatstroke kills 30 in Thailand this year as Southeast Asia bakes Millions of people across South and Southeast Asia sweltered through unusually hot weather on Thursday, as the Thai government said heatstroke has already killed at least 30 people this year.
	The guardian angels of the source of the Seine The river Seine, the centerpiece of the Paris Olympics opening ceremony in July, starts with a few drops of water in a mossy grotto deep in the woods of central France.
	Biden targets fossil fuel power sector with tough new carbon rules The United States on Thursday announced sweeping new rules requiring coal-fired plants to eliminate nearly all their carbon emissions or commit to shutting down altogether, a keystone of President Joe Biden's agenda to confront the climate crisis.
	In south China, silkworm farmers reel from deadly floods Hose in hand, 40-year-old Zhu Huangyi cleans a small concrete room once home to his silkworms, two thirds of which were lost in deadly floods hitting southern China this week.
	Scientists combine a spatially distributed sediment delivery model and biogeochemical model to estimate fluxes by water Water erosion is the most active process controlling soil formation and evolution, which can affect the redistribution of carbon between terrestrial, aquatic, and atmospheric ecosystems. Erosion-induced organic carbon dynamic process should not be missing in terrestrial carbon cycle simulations.

Astronomy and Space news

	Recently discovered black hole is part of a nearby disrupted star cluster, study finds European astronomers have investigated a recently detected black hole designated Gaia BH3. In their results, they found that the black hole is associated with a nearby disrupted star cluster known as ED-2. The finding is reported in a paper published April 17 on the preprint server arXiv.
	China launches 3-member crew to its space station as it seeks to put astronauts on the moon by 2030 China launched a three-member crew to its orbiting space station on Thursday as part of its ambitious program that aims to put astronauts on the moon by 2030.
	The Mars Sample Return mission has a shaky future, and NASA is calling on private companies for backup A critical NASA mission in the search for life beyond Earth, Mars Sample Return, is in trouble. Its budget has ballooned from US$5 billion to over $11 billion, and the sample return date may slip from the end of this decade to 2040.
	TESS finds its first rogue planet Well over 5,000 planets have been found orbiting other star systems. One of the satellites hunting for them is TESS, the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite. Astronomers using TESS think they are made a rather surprising discovery; their first free-floating—or rogue—planet. The planet was discovered using gravitational microlensing where the planet passed in front of a star, distorting its light and revealing its presence.
	Hera asteroid mission's side-trip to Mars ESA's Hera asteroid mission for planetary defense will make a swingby of Mars next March, borrowing speed to help reach its target Didymos binary asteroid system.
	NASA astronauts arrive for Boeing's first human spaceflight The two NASA astronauts assigned to Boeing's first human spaceflight arrived at their launch site Thursday, just over a week before their scheduled liftoff.
	NASA's Deep Space Optical Communications demonstration transmits data over 140 million miles Riding aboard NASA's Psyche spacecraft, the agency's Deep Space Optical Communications technology demonstration continues to break records. While the asteroid-bound spacecraft doesn't rely on optical communications to send data, the new technology has proven that it's up to the task. After interfacing with the Psyche's radio frequency transmitter, the laser communications demo sent a copy of engineering data from over 140 million miles (226 million kilometers) away, 1.5 times the distance between Earth and the sun.

Technology news

	Study explores why human-inspired machines can be perceived as eerie Artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms and robots are becoming increasingly advanced, exhibiting capabilities that vaguely resemble those of humans. The growing similarities between AIs and humans could ultimately bring users to attribute human feelings, experiences, thoughts, and sensations to these systems, which some people perceive as eerie and uncanny.
	Researchers increase storage, efficiency and durability of capacitors Pacemakers, defibrillators, radar technology and electric vehicles all need electrical components called capacitors that can store and release a lot of energy in a matter of a few microseconds. Researchers at the University of Twente have recently found a way to increase these capacitors' storage, efficiency and durability.
	Mask-inspired perovskite smart windows enhance weather resistance and energy efficiency Thermochromic perovskite is a new color switch material used in energy-saving smart windows. Despite its potential for energy savings, thermochromic perovskite suffers from poor weather resistance, susceptibility to water damage, and high optical haze, limiting its practical application.
	Adobe's VideoGigaGAN uses AI to make blurry videos sharp and clear A team of video and AI engineers at Adobe Research has developed an AI application called VideoGigaGAN, that can accept a blurry video and enhance it to make it a much shaper product. The team describes their work and results in an article posted to the arXiv preprint server. They have also posted several examples of the videos that they have enhanced on their project website page.
	Engineers uncover key to efficient and stable organic solar cells A team of researchers led by Professor Philip C.Y. Chow from the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Hong Kong (HKU) has made a significant breakthrough in the field of organic photovoltaics.
	Car giants vie for EV crown at Beijing's Auto China show Chinese car giants locked in a cut-throat price war descended on the capital for the start of the Auto China show Thursday, vying to draw consumers and headlines in the world's biggest electric vehicle market and abroad.
	Meta profits soar but costs of AI cause worry Facebook-owner Meta on Wednesday said its quarterly profits soared last quarter, but worries about the cost of artificial intelligence saw its share price take a hit on Wall Street.
	Tesla driver in Seattle-area crash that killed motorcyclist told police he was using Autopilot A Tesla that may have been operating on the company's Autopilot driving system hit and killed a motorcyclist near Seattle, raising questions about whether a recent recall went far enough to ensure Tesla drivers using Autopilot pay attention to the road.
	Five things we learned at the China Auto Show One of China's largest auto shows kicked off in Beijing on Thursday, with electric vehicle makers keen to show off their latest designs and high-tech accessories to consumers in the fiercely competitive market.
	US to give Micron $6.1 bn for American chip factories Micron is set to receive up to $6.1 billion in grants from the US government to help build its semiconductor plants in New York and Idaho, President Joe Biden said on Thursday.
	Electric cars and digital connectivity dominate at Beijing auto show Global automakers and EV startups unveiled new models and concept cars at China's largest auto show on Thursday, with a focus on the nation's transformation into a major market and production base for digitally connected, new-energy vehicles.
	FTC chief says tech advancements risk health care price fixing New technologies are making it easier for companies to fix prices and discriminate against individual consumers, the Biden administration's top consumer watchdog said Tuesday.
	From shrimp Jesus to fake self-portraits, AI-generated images have become the latest form of social media spam If you've spent time on Facebook over the past six months, you may have noticed photorealistic images that are too good to be true: children holding paintings that look like the work of professional artists, or majestic log cabin interiors that are the stuff of Airbnb dreams.
	Chinese automakers redefine the car as a living space at Beijing Auto Show How about turning a car's front bucket seats 180 degrees so they face the rear seats and extending out a table so the occupants can play cards or eat a meal? Or a 43-inch (109 centimeter) screen for the passengers in the back seat?
	FTC sends $5.6 million in refunds to Ring customers as part of video privacy settlement The Federal Trade Commission is sending more than $5.6 million in refunds to consumers as part of a settlement with Amazon-owned Ring, which was charged with failing to protect private video footage from outside access.
	How electric vehicle drivers can escape range anxiety Two of the biggest challenges faced by new and potential electric vehicle (EV) drivers are range anxiety and speed of charging, but these shouldn't have to be challenges at all. That is according to a study by Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden, and the University of Delaware, U.S. Researchers discovered that a change in refueling mindset, rather than improving the size or performance of the battery, could be the answer to these concerns.
	Machine learning and extended reality used to train welders Ever since the ancient Egyptians hammered two pieces of gold together until they fused, the art of welding has continuously progressed.
	Honda announces US$11 bn EV battery and vehicle plant in Canada Japanese auto giant Honda announced Thursday the largest automotive investment in Canada's history, worth Can$15 billion (US$11 billion), for a massive new EV battery and vehicle assembly plant.
	US reinstates open internet rules rescinded under Trump The US Federal Communications Commission voted on Thursday to reinstate tougher rules to guarantee open access to the internet, reversing a decision made during the Trump administration.
	Using sodium to develop rechargeable batteries may bolster the EU's green ambitions A green industrial future for Europe may depend on an element that is part of a household staple: table salt. Dr. John Abou-Rjeily, a researcher at Tiamat Energy in France, is using sodium to develop rechargeable batteries. Sodium is a part of sodium chloride, an ionic compound that is the technical name for ordinary salt.
	Underwater robot pioneers new energy-efficient buoyancy control A remotely operated underwater robot built by a team of Rice University engineering students pioneers a new way to control buoyancy via water-splitting fuel cells. The device, designed and constructed at the Oshman Engineering Design Kitchen over the course of a year-long senior design capstone class, offers a more power-efficient method of maintaining neutral buoyancy—a critical component in underwater operations.
	'POLAR' lowers the adoption barrier for adaptive query processing in database systems The preprint "POLAR: Adaptive and Non-invasive Join Order Selection via Plans of Least Resistance" introduces an adaptive query processing technique that lowers the adoption barrier for existing database systems while decreasing the risk of performance cliffs from ill-performing query plans.
	How much energy can offshore wind farms in the U.S. produce? New study sheds light As summer approaches, electricity demand surges in the U.S., as homes and businesses crank up the air conditioning. To meet the rising need, many East Coast cities are banking on offshore wind projects the country is building in the Atlantic Ocean.
	Microsoft quarterly profit rises 20% as tech giant pushes to get customers using AI products Microsoft on Thursday said its profit rose 20% for the January-March quarter as it tries to position itself as a leader in applying artificial intelligence technology to make workplaces more productive.
	US conspiracy website Gateway Pundit declares bankruptcy US far-right conspiracy website Gateway Pundit is filing for bankruptcy, its founder said Wednesday, as it battles a string of lawsuits alleging it promoted misinformation related to the 2020 election.
	TikTok to crack down on content that promotes disordered eating and dangerous weight-loss habits Saying it does not want to promote negative body comparisons, TikTok is cracking down on posts about disordered eating, dangerous weight-loss habits, and potentially harmful weight-management products.
	EPA says its new strict power plant rules will pass legal tests The EPA on Thursday announced a series of actions to address pollution from fossil fuel power generators, including a final rule for existing coal-fired and new natural gas-fired plants that will eventually require them to capture 90 percent of their carbon dioxide emissions.
	Opinion: Banning TikTok won't solve social media's foreign influence, teen harm and data privacy problems When President Joe Biden signed a US$95 billion foreign aid bill into law on April 24, 2024, it started the clock on a nine-month window for TikTok's China-based parent company, ByteDance, to sell the app. The president can extend the deadline by three months, and TikTok has indicated that it plans to challenge the law in court.
	American Airlines confirms 2024 forecast despite Q1 loss American Airlines reported a quarterly loss Thursday on an uptick in labor and other operating costs as the carrier confirmed its full-year financial forecast.
	Understanding the impact of environmental factors on molded fiber products Since 2020, the annual market size of molded fiber product (MFP) worldwide has exceeded $3.5 billion US, and is growing rapidly. The reliability of MFP is closely related to its mechanical properties during the use. The unpredictable mechanical properties make it difficult to design and improve MFP.

Chemistry news

	Scientists discover method to prevent coalescence in immiscible liquids A team of chemical engineers from Université PSL, CNRS, Harvard University and chemical company Calyxia, has discovered a way to prevent or delay coalescence in some immiscible liquids.
	A shortcut for drug discovery: Novel method predicts on a large scale how small molecules interact with proteins For most human proteins, there are no small molecules known to bind them chemically (so-called "ligands"). Ligands frequently represent important starting points for drug development but this knowledge gap critically hampers the development of novel medicines.
	Chemical rope trick at molecular level: Mechanism research helps when 'trial and error' fails In most industrial chemical reactions, catalysts combine with the starting materials and accompany them through intermediate stages to the product. In chemistry, this pathway is known as the reaction mechanism, and it is a kind of black box: nobody knows what is happening at the molecular level at first.
	Synthetic droplets cause a stir in the primordial soup: Chemotaxis research answers questions about biological movement Our bodies are made up of trillions of different cells, each fulfilling their own unique function to keep us alive. How do cells move around inside these extremely complicated systems? How do they know where to go? And how did they get so complicated to begin with? Simple yet profound questions like these are at the heart of curiosity-driven basic research, which focuses on the fundamental principles of natural phenomena. An important example is the process by which cells or organisms move in response to chemical signals in their environment, also known as chemotaxis.
	Synthesis of two new carbides provides perspective on how complex carbon structures could exist on other planets Researchers at the University of Bayreuth have gained new insights in the field of high-pressure carbon chemistry: They synthesized two new carbides—compounds of carbon and another chemical element—with unique structures. The results may provide an unexpected explanation of the wide spread of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the universe. The research is published in the journal Nature Communications.
	The secret to saving old books could be gluten-free glues "Bookworm" is a cute thing to call a voracious reader, but actual bookworms—as well as microorganisms and time—break down the flour pastes commonly used to keep old publications in one piece.
	Freeze casting—a guide to creating hierarchically structured materials Freeze casting is an elegant, cost-effective manufacturing technique to produce highly porous materials with custom-designed hierarchical architectures, well-defined pore orientation, and multifunctional surface structures. Freeze-cast materials are suitable for many applications, from biomedicine to environmental engineering and energy technologies.
	Exploring gel formation mechanisms and the role of lactic acid bacteria in fermented sausage A research team has reviewed the process of gel formation in fermented sausages, emphasizing the crucial role of myofibrillar proteins and the influence of lactic acid bacteria, temperature, and processing methods on gel properties.
	Towards novel promising perovskite-type ferroelectric materials: High-pressure synthesis of rubidium niobate Capacitors are crucial components in electronic devices such as smartphones and computers. They are made of dielectric materials that polarize on the application of the voltage. Currently, barium titanate (BaTiO3) is the most widely used material for capacitors.
	Researchers establish a high-throughput multiscale evaluation method for thermal stress in thermal barrier coatings Thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) are widely used in gas turbine engines to obtain elevated working temperatures and improve engine efficiency. The phase transition of the ceramic layer is accompanied by a large volume difference, causing the concentration of thermal stress, eventually leading the TBCs to fall off and fail. Therefore, it is necessary to quantitatively evaluate the magnitude and distribution of thermal stress induced by phase transition in the ceramic layer.

Biology news

	Emperor penguins perish as ice melts to new lows: Study Colonies of emperor penguin chicks were wiped out last year as global warming eroded their icy homes, a study published Thursday found, despite the birds' attempts to adapt to the shrinking landscape.
	Ancient giant tortoise fossils found in Colombian Andes Paleontologists have discovered giant tortoise fossils in Colombia dating back some 57 million years, the university leading the excavation said, with the findings key to understanding South America's prehistoric eras.
	Barley plants fine-tune their root microbial communities through sugary secretions Different types of barley recruit distinct communities of soil microbes to grow around their roots by releasing a custom mix of sugars and other compounds, according to a new study led by Jacob Malone of the John Innes Center, UK, published in the open-access journal PLOS Biology.
	Yeast study offers possible answer to why some species are generalists and others specialists In a landmark study based on one of the most comprehensive genomic datasets ever assembled, a team led by scientists at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and Vanderbilt University offer a possible answer to one of the oldest questions about evolution: why some species are generalists and others specialists.
	Scientists regenerate neural pathways in mice with cells from rats Two independent research teams have successfully regenerated mouse brain circuits in mice using neurons grown from rat stem cells. Both studies, published April 25 in the journal Cell, offer valuable insights into how brain tissue forms and present new opportunities for restoring lost brain function due to disease and aging.
	First-of-its-kind study shows that conservation actions are effective at halting and reversing biodiversity loss A study published April 25, in the journal Science provides the strongest evidence to date that not only is nature conservation successful, but that scaling conservation interventions up would be transformational for halting and reversing biodiversity loss—a crisis that can lead to ecosystem collapses and a planet less able to support life—and reducing the effects of climate change.
	Climate change could become the main driver of biodiversity decline by mid-century, analysis suggests Global biodiversity has declined between 2% and 11% during the 20th century due to land-use change alone, according to a large multi-model study published in Science. Projections show climate change could become the main driver of biodiversity decline by the mid-21st century.
	How do birds flock? Researchers do the math to reveal previously unknown aerodynamic phenomenon In looking up at the sky during these early weeks of spring, you may very well see a flock of birds moving in unison as they migrate north. But how do these creatures fly in such a coordinated and seemingly effortless fashion?
	Targeted culling of starfish found to help Great Barrier Reef maintain or increase cover A team of marine biologists, conservationists and environmentalists affiliated with multiple institutions in Australia has found that controlled culling of starfish can revitalize or promote regrowth of sections of the Great Barrier Reef.
	The rise of microbial cheaters in iron-limited environments: Study reveals their evolutionary history Competition and cooperation are fundamental forces that govern the evolutionary and ecological dynamics among species. The balance between these forces varies across ecological contexts, with some environments favoring cooperative behaviors that promote mutual benefit, while others reward competitive strategies that maximize individual fitness.
	Study reveals protein's key role in helping cilium transmit signals to the rest of the cell The essential role played by a protein in the functioning of cells is revealed in new work from the laboratory of Université de Montréal medical professor Frédéric Charron, holder of the Canada Research Chair in Developmental Neurobiology.
	Advanced cell atlas opens new doors in biomedical research Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have developed a web-based platform that offers an unprecedented view of the human body at the cellular level. The aim is to create an invaluable resource for researchers worldwide to increase knowledge about human health and disease. The study is published in Genome Biology.
	Scientists replace fishmeal in aquaculture with microbial protein derived from soybean processing wastewater Scientists from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) and Temasek Polytechnic have successfully replaced half of the fishmeal protein in the diets of farmed Asian seabass with a "single cell protein" cultivated from microbes in soybean processing wastewater, paving the way for more sustainable fish farming practices. The findings are published in the journal Scientific Reports.
	Cichlid fishes' curiosity promotes biodiversity: How exploratory behavior aids in ecological adaptation Cichlid fishes exhibit differing degrees of curiosity. The cause for this lies in their genes, as reported by researchers from the University of Basel in the journal Science. This trait influences the cichlids' ability to adapt to new habitats.
	Deer are expanding north, and that's not good for caribou: Scientists evaluate the reasons why As the climate changes, animals are doing what they can to adapt. Researchers from UBC Okanagan—which includes partners from Biodiversity Pathways' Wildlife Science Center, the Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Institute, the University of Alberta, and Environment and Climate Change Canada—wanted to evaluate why deer densities in the boreal forest are rapidly increasing.
	New dataset sheds light on relationship of far-red sun-induced chlorophyll fluorescence to canopy-level photosynthesis In recent years, the scientific community has increasingly turned its attention to sustainable agriculture, aiming to maximize crop yield while minimizing environmental impact. A crucial aspect of this research involves understanding the fundamental processes of plant photosynthesis and how they can be monitored at scale.
	Over 100 pilot whales beached on western Australian coast have been rescued, researcher says More than 100 long-finned pilot whales that beached on the western Australian coast Thursday have returned to sea, while 31 died on the shore, a whale researcher said.
	More cows are being tested and tracked for bird flu. Here's what that means U.S. health and agriculture officials are ramping up testing and tracking of bird flu in dairy cows in an urgent effort to understand—and stop—the growing outbreak.
	Study highlights the impact of lionfish invasion in the Mediterranean Sea Researchers from Wageningen University and Research, the Netherlands, have published a comprehensive study on the invasion of lionfish in the Mediterranean Sea, highlighting a rapid spread and the potential ecological impacts.
	Advancing crop breeding through targeted genome modification Modern crop breeding is entering a new era of genome design, led by genome editing technologies as mainstream tools for targeted genome modification.
	Advancing cassava brown streak disease resistance A research team reviewed the advancements in managing cassava brown streak disease (CBSD), highlighting the integration of new plant breeding technologies (NPBTs) with traditional breeding to enhance resistance. These efforts are crucial for providing African farmers with CBSD-resistant cassava varieties that also deliver high yields and meet market preferences.
	Nordic wolverines have the worst genetic diversity status, comprehensive Eurasian-wide study shows The Fennoscandian wolverines have the lowest genetic diversity out of all the wolverine populations in the vast Eurasian continent. The new study covers the Eurasian range of the wolverine, which has not been studied on such a large scale before. Samples were collected across a wide geographical area from Norway to eastern Russia.
	Making sustainable biotechnology a reality: Joined forces aim to improve biocatalysts Everything biobased: plastic, medicine, and fuel. It seems like a futuristic utopia. But for how long? A collaboration of researchers now proposes an idea to accelerate the development process. By combining machine learning and laboratory automation, this biobased ideal may become a reality sooner rather than later.
	Scientists confine, study Chinook at restored Snoqualmie River habitat In newly restored river channels on the Snoqualmie, baby Chinook salmon are confined in 19 enclosures about the size of large suitcases as they munch on little crustaceans and invertebrate insects floating or swimming by.
	New experimental evidence unlocks a puzzle in vascular tissue engineering Angiogenesis is a process of forming hierarchical vascular networks in living tissues. Its complexity makes the controlled generation of blood vessels in laboratory conditions a highly challenging task.
	Is your dog aggressive? A vet explains 'rage syndrome' Dog aggression is a condition that can hit home for pet owners, as it can be unsettling, stressful, and even dangerous, not only for the dog but also for other pets, family members, and strangers.
	Study pinpoints most helpful habitat for least flycatcher A new University of Alberta study helps define the most helpful breeding habitat for the least flycatcher, a species of bird in rapid decline. The findings are published in The Wilson Journal of Ornithology.
	Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy models unravel cell wall composition and nutritional quality in buffel grass A research team developed Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR) spectroscopy-based partial least squares regression (PLSR) models to assess Cenchrus spp (buffel grass) accessions, discovering significant correlations between cell wall composition and digestibility metrics like neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and indigestible NDF (iNDF).
	Lyme disease in dogs: What dog owners should know As Lyme disease cases rise in the U.S., humans are not the only ones at risk. Veterinarians with the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine say dogs are increasingly vulnerable to this tick-borne illness.
	International dairy science collaboration paves the way for tomorrow's resilient dairy herds In a new Journal of Dairy Science study, researchers have increased the quantity and quality of the available data on genetic traits related to feed efficiency and methane emissions
	Scientists use 'leaf glow' to understand changing climate New University of Minnesota research suggests "leaf glow" provides vital information on vegetation dynamics in Arctic and boreal ecosystems like Minnesota's forests and wetlands, which are among the fastest warming in the world. Using remote sensing to monitor the natural glow may help scientists better track climate change and its impact on our natural resources.
	Researchers systematically investigate efficacy of CRISPR antimicrobial agents The antimicrobial potential of CRISPR-Cas systems is promising, yet how to best design or implement CRISPR nucleases remains poorly understood. An international team led by the Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research (HIRI) in Würzburg has now addressed this knowledge gap.
	Philippine court blocks GMO 'golden rice' production over safety fears A Philippine court has blocked the commercial propagation of genetically modified golden rice because it said conflicting scientific views gave rise to "severe" health and environmental safety concerns.
	How worrying is bird flu's jump to dairy cows? Here's what experts say Since 2022, a highly contagious strain of bird flu has spread across the U.S. at an unprecedented rate, resulting in the deaths of more than 90 million birds in commercial and backyard poultry flocks, plus thousands more in the wild.
	Sweetpotato genetics: A comprehensive update to the 'Taizhong 6' genome annotation A research team has substantially enhanced the annotation of the sweetpotato genome "Taizhong 6," introducing a more comprehensive and detailed version, v1.0.a2. This update utilizes 12 Nanopore full-length RNA libraries and 190 Illumina RNA-seq libraries, resulting in the identification of 360 new genes, modification or addition of 31,771 gene models, and refined gene nomenclature.
	Enhancing heat tolerance in cool-season turfgrasses A research team reviewed the physiological and morphological changes in cool-season turfgrasses under high temperature stress, alongside advances in molecular characterization of their temperature regulatory networks. They proposed methods to enhance the turfgrasses' heat tolerance and highlighted the challenges in researching heat tolerance mechanisms.
	Advancing mei (Prunus mume) breeding: Genomic insights into ornamental and cold resistance traits A research team has provided an overview for understanding the genetic basis of ornamental and cold resistance traits in Mei (Prunus mume), a tree valued both for its ornamental and cultural significance in China.
	Examining the impact of gene-based breeding on agriculture and medicine A research team has demonstrated that gene-based breeding (GBB) offers a transformative approach to advancing plant and animal breeding, showing remarkable predictability, speed, and cost-effectiveness. The review highlights GBB's impact on improving crop and livestock genetics, while also laying the foundation for molecular precision agriculture and medicine.
	Molecular mechanism of CmoDREB2A and CmoNAC1 in pumpkin regulating the salt tolerance of grafted cucumber revealed In February 2024, a research article titled "Pumpkin CmoDREB2A enhances salt tolerance of grafted cucumber through interaction with CmoNAC1 to regulate H2O2 and ABA signaling and K+/Na+ homeostasis" was published by Professor Zhilong Bie's team from the National Key Laboratory for Germplasm Innovation & Utilization of Horticultural Crops/College of Horticulture and Forestry Sciences at Huazhong Agricultural University and the Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, in Horticulture Research.
	A systematic review of three key sugar metabolism proteins: HXK, SnRK1 and TOR Sugar signaling is one of the most important regulatory signals for plant growth and development, and its metabolic network contains many regulatory factors. Sugar signaling molecules regulate cellular activities and organismal development by interacting with other intrinsic regulators and environmental cues. HXK, SnRK1 and TOR are three proteins that play key roles in the plant sugar metabolism network.

Medicine and Health news

	Link between depression and cardiovascular disease explained: They partly develop from same gene module Depression and cardiovascular disease (CVD) are serious concerns for public health. Approximately 280 million people worldwide have depression, while 620 million people have CVD.
	Genetic variations may predispose people to Parkinson's disease following long-term pesticide exposure, study finds A new UCLA Health study has found that certain genetic variants could help explain how long-term pesticide exposure could increase the risk of Parkinson's disease.
	Using AI to improve diagnosis of rare genetic disorders Diagnosing rare Mendelian disorders is a labor-intensive task, even for experienced geneticists. Investigators at Baylor College of Medicine are trying to make the process more efficient using artificial intelligence. The team developed a machine learning system called AI-MARRVEL (AIM) to help prioritize potentially causative variants for Mendelian disorders. The study is published in NEJM AI.
	Study finds vitamin D alters mouse gut bacteria to give better cancer immunity Researchers at the Francis Crick Institute, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) of the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Aalborg University in Denmark, have found that vitamin D encourages the growth of a type of gut bacteria in mice which improves immunity to cancer.
	Food in sight? The liver is ready in minutes: Study shows how adapting sugar metabolism starts in the brain What happens in the body when we are hungry and see and smell food? A team of researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research has now been able to show in mice that adaptations in the liver mitochondria take place after only a few minutes.
	Study reveals tai chi benefits for sleep quality in advanced lung cancer patients A research team from the School of Nursing, LKS Faculty of Medicine of the University of Hong Kong (HKUMed), found positive effects of tai chi and aerobic exercise on sleep quality, psychological well-being, physical function, and circadian rhythm in patients with advanced lung cancer.
	Researchers publish final results of key clinical trial for gene therapy for sickle cell disease In a landmark study, an international consortium led by researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) published the final results of a key clinical trial of the gene therapy CASGEVY (exagamglogene autotemcel) for the treatment of sickle cell disease in patients 12 years and older with recurrent vaso-occlusive crises (VOCs).
	Understanding the cellular mechanisms of obesity-induced inflammation and metabolic dysfunction A South Korean team has spearheaded a research endeavor that successfully uncovered the mechanisms governing inflammation and metabolic dysfunction in tissues associated with obesity. Their findings were published in Nature Communications.
	Researchers create an AI-powered digital imaging system to speed up cancer biopsy results University of Waterloo researchers have invented a digital medical imaging system that significantly improves the cancer detection process to deliver immediate results and enable swift, effective treatment for all types of cancer.
	Identifying a new liver defender: The role of resident macrophages Osaka University researchers have discovered liver resident macrophages' pivotal role in defending against gut bacteria and related substances entering via the portal vein, particularly under compromised intestinal barrier conditions. Identified as "sentinel macrophages," they are activated by isoallo-lithocholic acid.
	Creatine found to improve cognitive performance during sleep deprivation Creatine is a popular dietary supplement in the sports community that is used to improve physical performance. Researchers at Forschungszentrum Jülich have now discovered that a high single dose of creatine can temporarily improve cognitive performance that is reduced by sleep deprivation. The study findings are published in Scientific Reports.
	Nanomaterial that mimics proteins could be basis for new neurodegenerative disease treatments A newly developed nanomaterial that mimics the behavior of proteins could be an effective tool for treating Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases. The nanomaterial alters the interaction between two key proteins in brain cells—with a potentially powerful therapeutic effect.
	Study finds RNA modification is responsible for disruption of mitochondrial protein synthesis in Alzheimer's disease A team of researchers at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU) has identified a mechanism that causes mitochondrial dysfunction in Alzheimer's patients resulting in a reduction of the supply of energy to the brain.
	Blocking gene may halt growth of breast cancer cells Shutting down a gene called PRMT5 stopped metastatic estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer cells from growing after they acquired resistance to a standard therapy known as CDK4/6 inhibitors, UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers have shown in a recent study.
	Living at higher altitudes in India linked to increased risk of childhood stunting Living at higher altitudes in India is linked to an increased risk of stunted growth, with children living in homes 2,000 meters or more above sea level 40% more at risk than those living 1,000 meters below, finds research published in BMJ Nutrition Prevention & Health.
	Shoulder surgeons should rethink a common practice, new study suggests A common practice of shoulder surgeons may be impairing the success of rotator cuff surgery, a new study from orthopedic scientists and biomedical engineers at Columbia University suggests. The work is published in the journal Science Translational Medicine.
	Study reports new compound that halts replication of COVID by targeting 'Mac-1' protein in cell models Research appearing in the Journal of Medicinal Chemistry shows for the first time SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, can be inhibited from replicating in living cell cultures using a compound that targets "Mac-1," a protein key to defending SARS-CoV-2 against the human immune response.
	Study recommends exposing deaf children to sign language before and after cochlear implantation Many researchers and clinicians advise the parents of a deaf child waiting for a cochlear implant to avoid sign language and focus exclusively on spoken language.
	Targeting specific protein regions offers a new treatment approach in medulloblastoma Medulloblastoma (the most common malignant childhood brain tumor) is separated into four molecular groups, with Group 3 bearing the worst prognosis. By studying EP300 and CBP, critical proteins in Group 3 medulloblastoma cells, scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have designed a way to enhance anti-tumor activity by targeting a specific part of these proteins. This targeted approach significantly reduced cancer cell growth.
	Study highlights increased risk of second cancers among breast cancer survivors Survivors of breast cancer are at significantly higher risk of developing second cancers, including endometrial and ovarian cancer for women and prostate cancer for men, according to new research studying data from almost 600,000 patients in England.
	Future parents more likely to get RSV vaccine when pregnant if aware RSV can be a serious illness in infants: Study A nationwide survey of people who were pregnant or trying to become pregnant has found that overall, 54% expressed interest in the RSV vaccine during pregnancy. Perceiving RSV as a serious illness in infants was the strongest predictor of likely vaccination during pregnancy. Likelihood to receive the RSV vaccine during pregnancy was also higher among parents with a child at home already.
	Experts call for global genetic warning system to combat the next pandemic and antimicrobial resistance The COVID-19 pandemic turned the world upside down. In fighting it, one of our most important weapons was genomic surveillance, based on whole genome sequencing, which collects all the genetic data of a given microorganism. This powerful technology tracked the spread and evolution of the virus, helping to guide public health responses and the development of vaccines and treatments.
	Women with heart disease are less likely to receive life-saving drugs than men, researchers find Women with heart disease are less often treated with cholesterol-lowering drugs than men, according to research presented today at ESC Preventive Cardiology 2024, a scientific congress of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC).
	Use of alcohol and e-cigarettes among youth 'alarming': WHO The widespread use of alcohol and e-cigarettes among adolescents is "alarming", according to a report released on Thursday by the World Health Organization's (WHO) European branch, which recommended measures to limit access.
	Bird flu in humans? Experts see little risk The discovery of traces of the bird flu virus in pasteurized cow milk in the United States sparked questions over whether the disease could spread to humans, but experts say there is little risk from food contamination.
	US births fell last year, marking an end to the late pandemic rebound, experts say U.S. births fell last year, resuming a long national slide.
	Climate change is bringing malaria to new areas. In Africa, it never left When a small number of cases of locally transmitted malaria were found in the United States last year, it was a reminder that climate change is reviving or migrating the threat of some diseases. But across the African continent malaria has never left, killing or sickening millions of people.
	National trial safely scales back prescribing of a powerful antipsychotic for the elderly Warning letters from Medicare can safely cut prescribing of a powerful but risky antipsychotic, according to a new study at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health. Researchers used Medicare data to study the effects of the letters on hundreds of thousands of older adults with dementia.
	Premature mortality higher among sexual minority women, study finds Compared to heterosexual women, bisexual women died 37% sooner and lesbian women 20% sooner, according to results from one of the largest studies to examine sexual orientation-related inequities in mortality and the first to differentiate between lesbians and bisexual women.
	With hybrid brains, these mice smell like a rat If mice ever wonder what it's like to experience the world as a rat, some are now able to live that dream, at least when it comes to the sense of smell.
	NHS baby check may miss dislocated hips in newborn babies A collaboration between the University of Oxford and University of Leeds, it shows that the tests currently used by doctors can be unreliable. Using data on 27,000 babies, their research, published in JAMA, found the best tests miss over half of abnormal hips—and indicates that for every 1,000 hips screened, four dislocations will be identified, but five will be missed.
	Stem cell transplants and survival rates on the rise across all racial and ethnic groups The volume of hematopoietic cell transplants rose among all racial/ethnic groups, but grew faster among African Americans and Hispanics compared with non-Hispanic white individuals, mirroring changes in population growth rates. Survival after both autologous hematopoietic cell transplant (autoHCT) and allogeneic hematopoietic transplant (alloHCT) improved over time across racial/ethnic groups, though non-Hispanic African Americans still have worse outcomes, according to results published in Blood Advances.
	Publicly funded fertility program linked to a decrease in rate of multifetal pregnancy In the era after the introduction of publicly funded in vitro fertilization (IVF) mandating elective single embryo transfer, the multifetal pregnancy rate decreased significantly for IVF, but the contribution of ovulation induction and intrauterine insemination (OI/IUI) to multifetal pregnancy still needs attention, according to a new study from ICES and Queen's University.
	Diagnosis of rare eye diseases: Uveitis experts provide an overview of an underestimated imaging technique Uveitis is a rare inflammatory eye disease. Posterior and panuveitis in particular are associated with a poor prognosis and a protracted course of the disease. Diagnosis and monitoring can be challenging for health care professionals.
	FDA approves new antibiotic against UTIs As many patients already know, urinary tract infections (UTIs) can recur despite the use of antibiotics.
	Tobacco smoking reduces the odds of psoriasis improvement, study finds Tobacco smoking is negatively associated with resolution of psoriasis symptoms, according to a study published in the April issue of Tobacco Induced Diseases.
	Mortality up for breast cancer diagnosed five to 10 years after childbirth Young-onset breast cancer (YOBC) with germline BRCA pathogenic variants (PVs) is associated with an increased risk for all-cause mortality if diagnosed within 10 years after childbirth, according to a study published online April 19 in JAMA Network Open.
	Drug, alcohol abuse goes untreated in many ex-prisoners Most ex-cons are unlikely to receive substance use treatment following their release from prison, even though odds are high they are struggling with addiction, a new study finds.
	Watchdog group says US food recalls rose again last year U.S. recalls of foods for salmonella, foreign objects or undeclared allergens are rampant nowadays and the highest they've been since 2020, a watchdog group warns.
	New school lunch rules target added sugars, salt School lunches will soon contain less added sugars and salt under new nutrition standards announced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture on Wednesday.
	Differentiating cerebral cortical neurons to decipher molecular mechanisms of neurodegeneration A research team led by Professor Haruhisa Inoue (Department of Cell Growth and Differentiation) derived iPS cells (iPSC) from α-synucleinopathy patients with early-onset familial Parkinson's disease (PD) carrying the α-synuclein (SNCA) A53T mutation and differentiated them into cerebral cortical neurons in an attempt to decipher the underlying molecular mechanisms involved in neurodegeneration to develop new therapies for the devastating disease.
	How immune cells communicate to fight viruses: New mouse model enables identification of chemokine producers and sensors Chemokines are signaling proteins that orchestrate the interaction of immune cells against pathogens and tumors. To understand this complex network, various techniques have been developed to identify chemokine-producing cells.
	Nearsightedness is at epidemic levels—and the problem begins in childhood Myopia, or the need for corrected vision to focus or see objects at a distance, has become a lot more common in recent decades. Some even consider myopia, also known as nearsightedness, an epidemic.
	Do implicit bias trainings on race improve health care? There is increasing evidence that implicit bias—non-conscious attitudes toward specific groups—is a source of racial inequities in certain aspects of health care, and lawmakers are taking note.
	Detoxifying masculinity: How men's groups reshape attitudes Men are still often afforded a great deal of power and privilege in society due to their gender, however, they also experience disproportionate rates of negative psychosocial outcomes. Men, for instance, have higher mortality rates, lower life expectancy, and are more likely to die by suicide.
	Vaping now more common than smoking among young people—and the risks go beyond lung and brain damage Vaping is now more common than cigarette smoking among young people, according to a new report coordinated by the University of Glasgow and commissioned by the World Health Organization.
	Q&A: Scientist who helped design R21 anti-malaria vaccine reflects on 30 years of research, and what it promises Until three years ago nobody had developed a vaccine against any parasitic disease. Now there are two against malaria: the RTS,S and the R21 vaccines.
	AI-powered 'deep medicine' could transform health care in the NHS and reconnect staff with their patients Today's NHS faces severe time constraints, with the risk of short consultations and concerns about the risk of misdiagnosis or delayed care. These challenges are compounded by limited resources and overstretched staff that results in protracted patient wait times and generic treatment strategies.
	CD7 CAR T-cell therapy, stem-cell transplant beneficial for CD7-positive tumors For patients with relapsed or refractory CD7-positive leukemia or lymphoma, sequential CD7 chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy followed by haploidentical hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HSCT) is safe and effective, with remission seen for most patients, according to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
	GLP1 receptor agonists do not up risk for complications after emergency surgery The risk for postoperative respiratory complications is similar among patients undergoing emergency surgery regardless of preoperative glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) use, according to a research letter published online April 22 in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
	Challengers: New Zendaya tennis film reviewed by an expert in the psychology of competition "Tennis is a relationship," says Tashi Duncan (Zendaya) in director Luca Guadagnino's new film Challengers. However, this relationship is not simply between the game and the player. Rather the heart of tennis, and perhaps of all competition, is a three-way relationship between two contestants and a third person. Their presence, and observation, is what gives competition its intensity.
	Treatment for deadly superbug C. diff may be weakening The antibiotic vancomycin, recommended as first-line treatment for infection caused by the deadly superbug C. difficile (C. diff), may not be living up to its promise, according to new research from the University of Houston College of Pharmacy.
	What is health equity? How the idea grew—and why it matters It's an idea as old as modern medicine and as new as the latest medical research. No matter how you look at health equity, the conversation involves contradictions.
	Cancer drug trial provides lessons for future A cancer drug was found to be ineffective in preventing recurrence of kidney cancer in patients who recently underwent tumor removal surgery, according to a clinical trial published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
	Perception of social isolation and loneliness can increase depressive symptoms Both social isolation, defined as the objective state of having few connections with others, and loneliness, which is a subjective negative feeling of being alone, adversely impact the body and mind.
	Inhaled insulin could improve lives of patients with diabetes Millions of people around the world live with diabetes mellitus. Many of them have medication and specific dietary management approaches to help them maintain stable blood sugar levels. However, recent innovations, such as inhaled insulin, the hormone made by the pancreas, which controls blood sugar, have sparked hope for more effective and user-friendly treatments.
	Research finds physical activity in nature helps prevent several diseases, including depression and type 2 diabetes Physical activity in natural environments prevent almost 13,000 cases of non-communicable diseases a year in England and save treatment costs of more than £100m, new research from the University of Exeter has found.
	Perinatal substance use may shape how strongly mothers feel toward infants Substance use during pregnancy and postpartum may impact areas of the brain associated with what psychologists and neuroscientists call "affective empathy," or the emotional response experienced as a result of others' emotions, a new study suggests.
	Better heart health at midlife linked to less cognitive decline in Black women Better heart health may mean middle-aged Black women are less likely to show cognitive decline than those with poor heart health, a study has found.
	Intensive blood pressure treatment may help some middle-aged women with type 2 diabetes, early-onset hypertension Investigators in the Smidt Heart Institute at Cedars-Sinai and colleagues report that women with type 2 diabetes diagnosed with hypertension before age 50 may benefit from intensive blood pressure treatment.
	Q&A: To protect human health, we must protect the Earth's health Human activities have transformed and degraded Earth's natural systems. But it's not just the planet that endures the harms of things like pollution and climate change. Changes like rising ocean temperatures and CO2 levels have cascading effects that threaten the future of humans.
	Three more African nations roll out malaria vaccine Three more African countries have joined a rollout of malaria vaccines targeting millions of children in a continent that accounts for 95 percent of malaria deaths, the UN said Thursday.
	Researcher discusses importance of communicating to the public during a pandemic, and the personal risk it can entail In global crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, it is vital that scientists step forward to engage with the public and help deliver medical and scientific advice in a friendly, digestible and open format. While the traditional way for scientists to do this is by responding to media requests, alternatives, including collaborating with illustrators and local communities, will be discussed in a new evidence review given at this year's ESCMID Global Congress (formerly ECCMID) by Associate Professor Siouxsie Wiles of the Bioluminescent Superbugs Lab, University of Auckland, New Zealand.
	Improving health communication to save lives during epidemics During epidemics of Ebola, COVID-19, Zika and other public health emergencies, effective communication of public health messages is crucial to control the spread of disease, maintain public trust, and encourage compliance with health measures. In a new evidence review to be given at this year's ESCMID Global Congress (formerly ECCMID) in Barcelona, Spain (27-30 April), Dr. Benjamin Djoudalbaye from the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (AFRICA CDC) in Ethiopia, will discuss the challenges and lessons learned from public health communication strategies during multiple epidemics across the African continent.
	Antimicrobial-resistant hospital infections remain at least 12% above pre-pandemic levels, study finds Despite progress in combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the U.S. since its peak during the COVID-19 pandemic, hospital-acquired AMR infections remain well above pre-pandemic levels, according to a major new study examining AMR before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic in 120 US hospitals.
	Study: Antibiotic use in patients hospitalized with COVID-19 appears to have no beneficial effect on clinical outcomes Antibiotic treatment of adults hospitalized with moderate COVID-19 is associated with clinical deterioration, despite the drugs being given to over 40% of patients, according to new research being presented at this year's ESCMID Global Congress (formerly ECCMID) in Barcelona, Spain (27-30 April)
	Study reveals racial disparities in COVID-19 testing delays among health care workers At the height of the pandemic, timely access to COVID-19 testing was crucial for curbing the spread of the disease and informing treatment decisions. Studies have unveiled racial and ethnic disparities in COVID-19 infection rates, clinical outcomes, and access to treatment and testing.
	Study: Type of surgery and risk level have significant impact on complications and death in elderly patients Frailty is a well-established predictor of complications and death after surgery. However, patients over 65 who undergo a high-risk operation in the emergency room are at significantly increased risk of postoperative complications and death in comparison to the same patients who are assessed solely on their level of frailty, according to a study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons.
	Improving men's sexual health: AI's pivotal role in erectile dysfunction management In a review published in the journal of UroPrecision, researchers from the University of Texas McGovern Medical School reveal how artificial intelligence (AI) is setting a new course in men's sexual health, specifically in the diagnosis and treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED).
	Switch to acetaminophen leads to fewer unplanned intubations and improved mortality in the NICU A quality improvement (QI) initiative to standardize care for babies in the NICU following surgery at the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC) correlated with fewer unplanned intubations and improved mortality rates.
	Study uncovers drug target in a protein complex required for activation of NF-κB A new paper by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute scientists lays the foundation for targeted therapies to inhibit the activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), a transcription factor that plays a role in various autoimmune and inflammatory diseases and cancers.
	Study finds being overweight is associated with alterations in brain pulsations A recent study from the University of Oulu, Finland, reveals that high body mass index (BMI) is associated with changes in physiological brain pulsations. These pulsations play a crucial role in maintaining brain fluid circulation and the clearance of metabolic waste from the brain.
	Women caregivers are stressed; transportation infrastructure could help Caregiving travel—such as taking a child to school or a parent to the doctor—can be associated with stress and decreased happiness among women but not men, according to a University of Michigan study.
	New tool helps identify babies at high risk for RSV A new tool to identify infants most at risk for severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) illness could aid pediatricians in prioritizing children under age 1 to receive a preventive medication before RSV season (October-April), according to Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) research published in Open Forum Infectious Diseases and to be presented at the American Thoracic Society 2024 International Conference.
	Meat and dairy alternatives should be clearly labeled to help consumers make healthy choices, says study Consumers need clearer information about the nutritional content and processing of meat and dairy alternatives when they are buying food, according to a new study.
	DPABINet: A turn-key brain network and graph theory analysis platform based on MRI data DPABINet, developed by Dr. Chao-Gan Yan's team at the Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, simplifies brain network analysis with a user-friendly, one-click software that requires no programming skills.
	Study reveals emotional turmoil experienced after dog-theft is like that of a caregiver losing a child A new study published in the journal Animal-Human Interactions reveals that emotional turmoil experienced by dog owners after their pet has been stolen is like that of losing a loved one such as a caregiver losing their child.
	How does aging start? Scientists explain how IgG antibodies are a driving factor Aging, a phenomenon that affects every individual, is a natural part of the human condition but one that often induces anxiety. These feelings are paired with health conditions and illnesses that accompany the aging process, all of which decrease lifespan, the amount of healthy and active years, and individuals' quality of life.
	Simulation of infant gut makes predictions about optimal milk formula Doctoral candidate David Versluis successfully simulated an infant gut. This is crucial for research on improvements in formula milk. Currently, such research primarily relies on diaper contents, which is not optimal. Versluis defended his doctoral thesis on April 23.
	Study confirms effectiveness of bivalent COVID-19 vaccine A major bivalent COVID-19 vaccine induces production of neutralizing antibodies against the coronavirus that circulated at the start of the pandemic as well as subvariants of omicron, albeit less abundantly, according to a Brazilian study reported in the Journal of Medical Virology.
	Study reports chlamydia and gonorrhea more likely to be treated per CDC guidelines in certain populations Chlamydia and gonorrhea are the two most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the United States, impacting 2.4 million in 2021, and the number is rising.
	Job losses help explain increase in drug deaths among Black Americans New research points to an economic factor that might be overlooked when considering why drug-related deaths among Black Americans increased significantly after 2010 in U.S. regions reporting heightened fentanyl activity: job losses that followed the Great Recession.
	Cancer survivors reporting loneliness experience higher mortality risk, study shows A new study led by researchers at the American Cancer Society (ACS) showed people surviving cancer who reported feeling more lonely experienced a higher mortality risk compared to survivors reporting low or no loneliness.
	New research finds paid family leave helps prevent child abuse Child maltreatment is a serious public health issue in the United States, particularly affecting young children who are most vulnerable due to their dependence on caregivers. Infants under two years old account for over one-quarter, or 28.1%, of all maltreatment cases in the U.S., and infants under one year of age experience the highest rate of victimization, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
	Study argues traffic noise is a novel risk factor for cardiovascular diseases An international group of noise experts from the Copenhagen Cancer Institute (Denmark), the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH), the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Philadelphia (U.S.) and the Department of Cardiology at the Mainz University Medical Center have analyzed recent epidemiological data and found strong evidence that transportation noise is closely linked to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease.
	Diabetes drug shows promise for the treatment of acute heart failure A multicenter study led by Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) and Lipscomb University College of Pharmacy in Nashville has identified a potential new treatment for acute heart failure, a leading cause of hospitalization and death.
	AstraZeneca profit up on strong sales of cancer drugs British pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca on Thursday said net profit jumped 21 percent in the first three months of the year thanks to strong growth in sales of cancer drugs.
	Malaria is still killing people in Kenya, but a vaccine and local drug production may help As the coffin bearing the body of Rosebella Awuor was lowered into the grave, heart-wrenching sobs from mourners filled the air. Her sister Winnie Akinyi, the guardian to Awuor's orphaned son, fell to the ground, wailing.
	Venezuela broke its HPV vaccine promises, and there's barely any sex ed. Experts say it's a problem Some of the 10 women and teenage girls who recently came to a medical clinic in eastern Venezuela for free contraceptives fidgeted a bit when a community health worker taught them how to use an IUD, condoms and birth control pills correctly.
	He thinks his wife died in an understaffed hospital: Now he's trying to change the industry For the past year, police Detective Tim Lillard has spent most of his waking hours unofficially investigating his wife's death.
	Rural jails turn to community health workers to help the newly released succeed Garrett Clark estimates he has spent about six years in the Sanpete County Jail, a plain concrete building perched on a dusty hill just outside this small, rural town where he grew up.
	Holdout states consider expanding Medicaid—with work requirements In Humphreys County, Mississippi—about 70 miles north of the state capital, in the heart of the fertile Delta region—a third of the residents live in poverty. In Belzoni, the county seat, there are just a handful of health care clinics. The town's only major hospital closed more than a decade ago, around the same time its catfish industry collapsed.
	Japanese study finds increase in home death ratio during the COVID-19 pandemic A new study has revealed the increased home death ratio in Japan during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. High population density, large numbers of patients infected with COVID-19, and areas with numerous enhanced home care support clinics and hospitals were all factors associated with increased home deaths.
	Microbiota B. fragilis-secreted BFT-1 promotes breast cancer cell stemness and chemoresistance: Study Tumor-resident microbiota in breast cancer promotes both the initiation and progression of cancer. However, the potential of targeting microbiota to enhance the efficacy of breast cancer treatment has not been comprehensively explored. In this study, researchers analyzed the microbial composition within breast tumors and identified a notable enrichment of ETBF in patients who exhibited resistance to taxane-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy.
	Q&A: Alzheimer's and Arab Americans—more research needed Middle Eastern and Arab American populations may have higher rates of Alzheimer's disease and related cognitive impairments, but researchers don't exactly know because these populations aren't identifiable in national datasets.
	Cancer cases in younger people are on the rise In the United States this year alone, there will be an anticipated 2,001,140 new cancer cases—leading to an estimated 611,720 related deaths. That's 5,480 new cases and 1,680 deaths every day. And, according to a recent CNN report, cancer cases among younger people are rising sharply.
	Exercise can ease peripheral artery disease symptoms Patricia Creque describes herself as "one of those people who has music in my head and am always ready to dance."
	The maternal microbiota during gestation: Elucidating the complexities of maternal microbiomes and pregnancy disorders In a paper published in Science Bulletin, a Chinese team of scientists presented a global study of over 10,000 microbiome samples from pregnant women and mapped links between maternal microbiomes and pregnancy disorders.
	2 million bottles of Perrier ordered destroyed by French agency Perrier destroyed two million bottles of its famous sparkling water suspected of being contaminated with "fecal" bacteria under government orders, the public health agency said Thursday.

Other Sciences news

	Archaeologists unearth top half of statue of Ramesses II A team co-led by a CU Boulder classics researcher has unearthed the upper portion of a huge, ancient pharaonic statue whose lower half was discovered in 1930; Ramesses II was immortalized in Percy Bysshe Shelly's "Ozymandias."
	The magic of voices: Why we like some singers' voices and not others Many famous singers have distinctive voices. But why do we prefer some singers to others? A team of researchers led by the Max Planck Institute for Empirical Aesthetics (MPIEA) in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, has investigated what determines our preferences for singing voices. The results are published open-access in the journal Scientific Reports.
	Maternal grandmothers' support buffers children against the impacts of adversity, finds study A study conducted at the University of Turku shows that investment by maternal grandmothers can improve the well-being of grandchildren who have faced adversities in life. The positive effects can last well into adulthood. The work is published in the journal Scientific Reports.
	How much trust do people have in different types of scientists? Understanding why some people trust some scientists more than others is a key factor in solving social problems with science. But little was known about the trust levels across the diverse range of scientific fields and perspectives.
	Political 'color' affects pollution control spending in the US, new study finds A new study led by the University of East Anglia (UEA) shows how firms in the United States behave differently depending on the political party in charge—even if they do not change policies.
	Wait lines may boost perceived popularity of restaurant brands Restaurants can benefit from keeping their customers waiting, according to a new study from researchers in the Penn State School of Hospitality Management.
	The US is one of the world's least trade-oriented countries—despite laying groundwork for today's globalized system Given the spate of news about international trade lately, Americans might be surprised to learn that the U.S. isn't very dependent on it. Indeed, looking at trade as a percentage of gross domestic product—a metric economists sometimes call the "openness index"—the U.S. is one of the least trade-oriented nations in the world.
	Scholars explain the ideology that says technology is the answer to every problem Silicon Valley venture capitalist Marc Andreessen penned a 5,000-word manifesto in 2023 that gave a full-throated call for unrestricted technological progress to boost markets, broaden energy production, improve education and strengthen liberal democracy.
	Family farms are fast disappearing: Research shows how young generations can take them up successfully While some might think that family-run farms are a thing of the past, they are in fact the dominant business model in Europe. In 2020, they accounted for slightly more than 9 in every 10 of the EU's 9.1 million farms.
	Extraordinary Vietnam fraud case exposes the inherent vulnerabilities of banks The financial crisis of 2008 showed just how much the world depends on banks being well run. Since then, regulators have been given new powers to keep some of the biggest institutions on a much shorter leash to stamp out risk, greed and corruption.
	Gender-nonconforming ancient Romans found refuge in community dedicated to goddess Cybele A Vatican declaration, the "Infinite Dignity," has brought renewed attention to how religions define and interpret gender and gender roles.
	Policymakers must recognize global economic risks posed by ecosystem 'tipping points,' says report The collapse of key ecosystems would severely harm the global economy, researchers have warned. Researchers from UCL's Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose (IIPP) and the Global Systems Institute at the University of Exeter reviewed the likely impacts of "ecosystem tipping points" such as the dieback of the Amazon rainforest, tropical peatland collapse and widespread die-off of coral reefs.
	What is eldest daughter syndrome? Is it a real condition? Who plans the agenda for vacations in your family? Who's the first to step up to care for mom and dad or grandma and grandpa? Who's the one organizing family holidays? Chances are if you have an older sister, it's her. And if she's the only one in your family doing this, she may have "eldest daughter syndrome."
	Impact of COVID-19 'will affect exam results well into the 2030s,' says study Educational damage from the COVID-19 pandemic will have an impact on school pupils well into the 2030s, according to a study involving the University of Strathclyde.
	Study demonstrates efficacy of web programming course for incarcerated individuals Several years ago, a team of scientists from MIT and the University of Massachusetts at Lowell designed and deployed a first-of-its-kind web programming course for incarcerated individuals across multiple correctional facilities. The program, Brave Behind Bars, uses virtual classroom technology to deliver web design training to students behind prison walls.
	Language skills key to understanding residential segregation, says study Language skills are one of the key factors to explain residential segregation and play an important role in understanding immigrant residential environments, new research from the University of Aberdeen has found.
	Study presents strategy to stamp out illicit market for cannabis amid wave of policy shifts in North America It's been five years since Canada stepped into the forefront of cannabis legalization, setting a significant precedent in the realm of drug policy. With Canada and 24 US states now embracing recreational cannabis, the battle against the illegal market remains a key concern, one highlighted in the federal government's final report on the Cannabis Act.
	Meta-analysis reveals having a dialect or accent may disadvantage applicants in recruitment processes People who speak a regional dialect or who have an accent may be at a disadvantage in personnel selection processes. This is the result of a new meta-analysis carried out by researchers at Freie Universität Berlin, the Neu-Ulm University of Applied Sciences, and Ulm University.
	Using statistical and historical methods to address problems in business strategy Finding a convincing explanation of a complex issue is no easy task. The decision about what qualifies as the "best" solution is inevitably subject to biases and approximations. Coupling statistics with historical methods, however, makes the decision process more rigorous and less error-prone.
	It's not a match: Skill mismatch after job loss can have great impact on career The loss of your job can be as devastating emotionally as a divorce. It's true that a divorce can actually enhance your marriage skills for the next time around, since the skills needed remain virtually unchanged, but the same cannot be said for job-loss situations.
	Sugar in baby food: Why Nestlé needs to be held to account in Africa Nestlé has been criticized for adding sugar and honey to infant milk and cereal products sold in many poorer countries. The Swiss food giant controls 20% of the baby-food market, valued at nearly US$70 billion.
	Impact investing in Paris suburban 'banlieue' neighborhoods: Untapped social and economic potential From July to August, Paris will host the 2024 Olympic games. However, once the athletes and spectators have packed up and left, the Games will leave behind a lasting social impact on the run-down neighborhoods on the outskirts of the French capital.
	Economic growth tops the priority list for Canadian policymakers: Here's why Canada is currently experiencing anemic economic growth, meaning there is a slowdown in the total production of goods and services per capita. The real GDP growth forecast for 2024 is 0.7 percent.
	New 'cold war' grows ever warmer as the prospect of a nuclear arms race hots up Champagne corks popped on December 3, 1989 as Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev and US president George H.W. Bush met on the cruise ship, Maxim Gorky, off the coast of Malta to declare the end of the cold war.
	Arizona's 1864 abortion law was made in a women's rights desert—here's what life was like then Dora Juhl, a 15-year-old teenager, walked into Dr. Rosa Goodrich Boido's obstetrical practice in Phoenix in January 1918. Juhl wanted to end her pregnancy.
	Large retailers don't have smokestacks, but they generate a lot of pollution − and states are starting to regulate it Did you receive a mail-order package this week? Carriers in the U.S. shipped 64 packages for every American in 2022, so it's quite possible.
	South Africa's youth are a generation lost under democracy: Study South African president Cyril Ramaphosa recently painted a rosy picture in which the country's youth—"democracy's children"—had enormous opportunities for advancement, all thanks to successive post-apartheid governments led by the African National Congress (ANC) that he leads.
	Biden administration tells employers to stop shackling workers with 'noncompete agreements' Most American workers are hired "at will": Employers owe their employees nothing in the relationship except earned wages, and employees are at liberty to quit at their option. As the rule is generally stated, either party may terminate the arrangement at any time for a good or bad reason, or none at all.
	The costs of workplace violence are too high to ignore Violence and harassment on the job are all too common: More than 1 in 5 workers worldwide have experienced it, according to the International Labor Organization, with women slightly more likely to be affected than men. In the U.S., more than 2 million workers face violence on the job each year—and those are just the cases that get reported.
	Philippines' counter-terrorism strategy still stalled after 7 years since the 'ISIS siege' on Marawi Following the 2017 siege of Marawi, the Philippines' counter-terrorism efforts have faced an increasingly complex and unpredictable landscape. While authorities have claimed victory, one which garnered global media attention during the peak of ISIS reign in Syria and Iraq, the aftermath of Marawi highlights the urgent need for a comprehensive reassessment of the country's counter-terrorism strategy.
	Nature degradation could cause a 12% loss to UK GDP, new analysis suggests The deterioration of the UK's natural environment could lead to an estimated 12% loss to GDP, according to new analysis. In comparison, the financial crisis of 2008 took around 5% off the value of the UK GDP, while the COVID-19 pandemic cost the UK up to 11% of its GDP in 2020.

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