Science X Newsletter Wed, Apr 3

Dear ,

Here is your customized Science X Newsletter for April 3, 2024:

Spotlight Stories Headlines

Inactivating the Tgfbr1 gene in mouse embryos results in extra limbs and no external genitals

Luminous quasar PDS 456 explored with MUSE

First tidally locked super-Earth exoplanet confirmed

Student cleans up archival data and uncovers two stellar cocoons

Study reports that age is the driving force in changing how stars move within galaxies

Researchers find a simple way to harvest more 'blue energy' from waves

Testing environmental water to monitor COVID-19 spread in unsheltered encampments

Water-based paints: Less stinky, but some still contain potentially hazardous chemicals

California leads US emissions of sulfuryl fluoride: State emits more than rest of country combined, study finds

AI helps to detect invasive Asian hornets

Newly hatched chicks can instantly recognize objects with vision, even if they've only ever experienced them by touch

NASA wants to come up with a new clock for the moon, where seconds tick away faster

More than a third of African great ape population faces risks related to mineral mining

Two Jurassic mammaliaforms from China shed light on mammalian evolution

Early dinosaurs grew up fast, but fossil analysis suggests they weren't the only ones

Nanotechnology news

	'Neutronic molecules': Study shows neutrons can bind to quantum dots Neutrons are subatomic particles that have no electric charge, unlike protons and electrons. That means that while the electromagnetic force is responsible for most of the interactions between radiation and materials, neutrons are essentially immune to that force.
	New molecular compound designed with technological applications at the nanoscale A team led by the Laboratory of Molecular Nanoscience of the Faculty of Chemistry at the University of Barcelona has designed a new molecular compound based on gadolinium (Gd), a chemical element that can generate a magnetocaloric effect, that is of particular interest in the field of molecular magnetism and in the design of devices with technological applications at the nanoscale.
	Novel fabrication technique takes transition metal telluride nanosheets from lab to mass production Transition metal telluride nanosheets have shown enormous promise for fundamental research and other applications across a rainbow of different fields, but until now, mass fabrication has been impossible, leaving the material as something of a laboratory curiosity rather than an industrial reality.
	Must mRNA be cloaked in a lipid coat to serve as a vaccine? The Uchida Laboratory of Innovation Center of NanoMedicine has demonstrated that intradermal administration of mRNA alone (naked mRNA) without protection by nanoparticles induced robust vaccination against SARS CoV-2, a virus causing COVID-19, in mice and primates. mRNA is highly unstable, generally considered to require a tiny capsule, such as lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), for administration.
	How to grow inorganic functional nanomaterials—quantum dots—in the nucleus of live cells National Science Review recently published research on the synthesis of quantum dots (QDs) in the nucleus of live cells by Dr. Hu Yusi, Associate Professor Wang Zhi-Gang, and Professor Pang Dai-Wen from Nankai University.
	Novel high entropy alloy nanoparticle catalysts for growing high-density carbon nanotubes High entropy alloys (HEAs) have attracted significant attention in various fields due to their unique properties such as high strength and hardness, and high thermal and chemical stabilities.
	Study describes zinc oxide nanoparticle strategy for inactivation of multidrug-resistant bacteria An article published in the Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering describes a possible strategy for promoting selective inhibition of multidrug-resistant bacteria, which are increasingly abundant owing to the indiscriminate use of antibiotics and are therefore a major human health hazard.

Physics news

	Intelligent liquid: Researchers develop metafluid with programmable response Researchers from the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) have developed a programmable metafluid with tunable springiness, optical properties, viscosity and even the ability to transition between a Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluid.
	Researchers visualize quantum effects in electron waves One of the most fundamental interactions in physics is that of electrons and light. In an experiment at Goethe University Frankfurt, scientists have now managed to observe what is known as the Kapitza-Dirac effect for the first time in full temporal resolution. This effect was first postulated more than 90 years ago, but only now are its finest details coming to light.
	Easy compression, easy flow: Research team designs new granular materials When we take a stroll on the beach, we walk on the sand without any trouble. The sand appears solid and is difficult to compress. When we put the same sand grains in an hourglass, they behave very differently: the sand flows like a liquid.
	Reimagining quantum dot single-photon sources: A breakthrough in monolithic Fabry-Perot microcavities Self-assembled semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) represent a three-dimensional confined nanostructure with discrete energy levels, which are similar to atoms. They are capable of producing highly efficient and indistinguishable single photons on demand and are important for exploring fundamental quantum physics and various applications in quantum information technologies. Leveraging traditional semiconductor processes, this material system also offers a natural integration-compatible and scalable platform.

Earth news

	California leads US emissions of sulfuryl fluoride: State emits more than rest of country combined, study finds California, a state known for its aggressive greenhouse gas reduction policies, is ironically the nation's greatest emitter of one: sulfuryl fluoride.
	Researchers propose new step in tectonic squeeze that turns seafloor into mountains Scientists use tiny minerals called zircons as geologic timekeepers. Often no bigger than a grain of sand, these crystals record chemical signatures of the geological environment where they formed. In a new study led by scientists at The University of Texas at Austin, researchers used them to describe what could be an overlooked step in a fundamental tectonic process that raises seafloors into mountains.
	Why artificial submarine curtains won't save West Antarctica's retreating glaciers Some researchers have recently proposed the construction of artificial structures—submarine curtains or walls—to stop the warming ocean from getting to the most rapidly melting glaciers in West Antarctica.
	Research reveals pre-collapse monitoring of Kakhovka Dam, Ukraine On the morning of June 6, 2023, a substantial portion of the Kakhovka Dam in Ukraine—vital for water management and hydroelectric power generation—suffered a collapse while under Russian control. Russia had seized the dam early into its invasion of Ukraine, and though independent investigations suggested that Russia destroyed it to prevent a counterattack from Ukraine, Russia has denied responsibility.
	Researchers closer to near real-time disaster monitoring When disaster hits, a quick and coordinated response is needed, and that requires data to assess the nature of the damage, the scale of response needed, and to plan safe evacuations.
	How NASA spotted El Niño changing the saltiness of coastal waters New findings have revealed a coastal realm highly sensitive to changes in runoff and rainfall on land.
	For mining in arid regions to be responsible, we must change how we think about water, say researchers A research team led by the University of Massachusetts Amherst, in collaboration with the University of Alaska-Anchorage and Columbia University, has conducted the widest-ever hydrological tracer analysis of the Dry Andes region in Chile, Argentina and Bolivia, home to the majority of the world's lithium deposits and other elements, such as copper, critical to the green energy transition away from oil and toward electricity.
	Examining groundwater's role in ecosystem sustainability Until now, groundwater—a critical water resource around the globe, especially in dry regions—has been largely unstudied in its importance and role in sustaining ecosystems. A new research effort led by the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) in partnership with University of California Santa Barbara (UCSB), Cardiff University, and Desert Research Institute (DRI) examines the relationship between groundwater and ecosystems across California.
	Strongest earthquake in 25 years rocks Taiwan, killing 9 people and stranding 70 workers in quarries The strongest earthquake in a quarter-century rocked Taiwan during the morning rush hour Wednesday, killing nine people, stranding dozens of workers at quarries and sending some residents scrambling out the windows of damaged buildings.
	From polar bears to groundwater, nature is riddled with 'forever chemicals' They didn't exist a century ago but today PFAS "forever chemicals" contaminate the environment from groundwater to Antarctic snow to turtle eggs, and concern over their possible toxicity is growing.
	Don't blame Las Vegas for Colorado River woes Another study refutes the belief that Las Vegas and other urban centers in the Southwest are sucking Lake Mead dry. Instead, if the region is to adequately address its water problems, policymakers must confront hard questions about the wisdom of farming in the arid Mojave Desert.
	Plant-based plastic releases nine times less microplastics than conventional plastic A newly developed plant-based plastic material releases nine times less microplastics than conventional plastic when exposed to sunlight and seawater, a new study has found.
	Out of the park: New research tallies total carbon impact of tourism at Yellowstone People depend on natural ecosystems of trees, grasses and shrubs to capture carbon from the atmosphere and pull it underground to slow the decline toward climate-change disaster. Ironically, these same protected spaces also tend to be highly photogenic hot-spots for tourism.
	Research team provides water planning tool with future forecasts up to 2055 In view of demographic changes and advancing climate change, Austria is already experiencing increasingly tense water supply situations, which will only increase in the future. Until now, however, conventional planning systems have not been able to provide a step-by-step forecast of the performance of water supply systems.
	Zimbabwe declares El Nino drought a national disaster Zimbabwe declared drought a national disaster on Wednesday, with President Emmerson Mnangagwa saying the country needs $2 billion in aid to help millions of people who are going hungry.
	Taiwan earthquake: An earthquake scientist on what we know so far and what may happen next Earlier today, a major earthquake of magnitude 7.4 struck the central east coast of Taiwan, roughly 20 kilometers south of the city of Hualien.
	Who are today's climate activists? Dispelling 3 big myths for Earth Month As Earth Month 2024 gets underway, climate activists around the world are planning rallies and other events over the coming weeks to draw attention to the growing threats posed by climate change.
	Spring snow storm batters Swedish drivers and government The Swedish government faced heavy criticism Wednesday after heavy snowfall caused traffic chaos across southern Sweden leaving some motorists stuck for more than 10 hours.

Astronomy and Space news

	Luminous quasar PDS 456 explored with MUSE Using the Multi Unit Spectroscopic Explorer (MUSE) at the Very Large Telescope (VLT) in Chile, an international team of astronomers has inspected a luminous quasar known as PDS 456. Results of the observational campaign, published March 26 on the pre-print server arXiv, shed more light on the ionized emission from this quasar.
	First tidally locked super-Earth exoplanet confirmed An international team of astronomers and astrophysicists has confirmed the first known observance of a tidally locked super-Earth exoplanet. In their paper published in The Astrophysical Journal, the group describes the unique approach they took to confirm that the exoplanet LHS 3844b is tidally locked and what the finding suggests about other planets in the galaxy.
	Student cleans up archival data and uncovers two stellar cocoons While investigating 16 years of images of young stars from a retired astronomical camera, Leiden master's student Sam de Regt discovered that two of those stars were still enveloped in birth clouds that had not been seen at this level of detail before. He publishes his data-cleaning method and the new images of the two stars in the journal Astronomy & Astrophysics.
	Study reports that age is the driving force in changing how stars move within galaxies Galaxies start life with their stars rotating in an orderly pattern but in some the motion of stars is more random. Until now, scientists have been uncertain about what causes this—possibly the surrounding environment or the mass of the galaxy itself.
	NASA wants to come up with a new clock for the moon, where seconds tick away faster NASA wants to come up with an out-of-this-world way to keep track of time, putting the moon on its own souped-up clock.
	Webb probes an extreme starburst galaxy A team of astronomers has used NASA's James Webb Space Telescope to survey the starburst galaxy Messier 82 (M82). Located 12 million light-years away in the constellation Ursa Major, this galaxy is relatively compact in size but hosts a frenzy of star formation activity. For comparison, M82 is sprouting new stars 10 times faster than the Milky Way galaxy.
	SLAC completes construction of the largest digital camera ever built for astronomy After two decades of work, scientists and engineers at the Department of Energy's SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory and their collaborators are celebrating the completion of the Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST) Camera.
	Rock sampled by NASA's Perseverance embodies why rover came to Mars The 24th sample taken by the six-wheeled scientist offers new clues about Jezero Crater and the lake it may have once held.
	NASA collects 'space debris' that crashed into Florida man's home NASA said Tuesday it was analyzing an object that crashed from the sky into a Florida man's home—which could well be a piece of debris jettisoned from the International Space Station.
	Is it safe to fly during the solar eclipse? Here's what experts have to say If you need to fly in the afternoon of April 8, you might want to grab a pair of solar eclipse glasses.
	Australian 'bush glass' bears the fingerprints of a cosmic collision with an iron meteorite How Earth and the other planets of the solar system formed and evolved over the eons is a hot question for planetary scientists like me. One of the best ways to find out is by looking at rocks from space.
	Private companies are exploiting outer space, but the law is struggling to catch up On 8 January 2024, NASA launched Peregrine Mission One, which carried capsules to the moon containing human remains and DNA samples. The goal was to deposit human remains on the lunar surface, and to release the content of the capsules in space.
	Eclipses make the sun's gravitational light bending visible During night-like conditions created during the totality of a solar eclipse, like that of April 8, planets and stars are visible. Venus and Jupiter, bracketing the sun, will be very noticeable, while Mercury will be rather faint.
	Why do we need a leap second? A physicist explains what is messing with the Earth's rotation Meltwater from the polar ice caps, combined with the shifting spin of Earth's core, is messing with the Earth's rotation to the point that we might need to adjust for a "negative leap second."
	Simulating ejecta on titanium spacecraft surfaces under re-entry extreme environment conditions The upper-stage helium tank of the Ariane 3 that was launched in 1985 was recovered in Uganda in 2002 after re-entry. Molten aluminum splashes were discovered on the tank, which have been identified as deposits from local fixings.

Technology news

	Researchers find a simple way to harvest more 'blue energy' from waves As any surfer will tell you, waves pack a powerful punch. Now, we are one step closer to capturing the energy behind the ocean's constant ebb and flow with an improved "blue energy" harvesting device.
	Machine learning enables viability of vertical-axis wind turbines If you imagine an industrial wind turbine, you likely picture the windmill design, technically known as a horizontal-axis wind turbine (HAWT). But the very first wind turbines, which were developed in the Middle East around the 8th century for grinding grain, were vertical-axis wind turbines (VAWT), meaning they spun perpendicular to the wind, rather than parallel.
	Scientists develop novel amorphous flexible mini-inductor A research team has developed a mini-inductor based on amorphous alloys that can achieve both excellent flexibility and high inductance. The study is published in Advanced Functional Materials.
	Drawing inspiration from plants: A metal–air paper battery for wearable devices For more than two millennia, paper has been a staple of human civilization. But these days, the use of paper is not limited to writing. It is also playing a pivotal role in ushering in a greener future.
	Study shows magnetic fields boosts electrocatalysis for sustainable fuel production In an era where the quest for sustainable energy sources has become paramount, researchers are tirelessly exploring innovative avenues to enhance fuel production processes. One of the most important tools in converting chemical energy into electrical energy and vice versa is electrocatalysis, which is already used in various green-energy technologies.
	Keeping your data from Apple is harder than expected, finds study "Privacy. That's iPhone," the slogan proclaims. New research from Aalto University begs to differ.
	Computer scientists show the way: AI models need not be so power hungry The fact that colossal amounts of energy are needed to Google away, talk to Siri, ask ChatGPT to get something done, or use AI in any sense, has gradually become common knowledge.
	Virtual skin contact: Smart textiles are making remote hugs tangible Smart textiles are making virtual reality more immersive and enabling wearers to experience the sensation of physical touch. An ultrathin film that can transmit touch sensations is able to turn textiles into a virtual second skin. For seriously ill children in hospital isolation wards, this new technology offers them the chance to feel the physical closeness of their parents during computer-simulated visits and to experience again the feeling of being held, hugged or cuddled.
	'Smart swarms' of tiny robots inspired by natural herd mentality In natural ecosystems, the herd mentality plays a major role—from schools of fish, to beehives to ant colonies. This collective behavior allows the whole to exceed the sum of its parts and better respond to threats and challenges.
	As international travel grows, so does US use of technology. A look at how it's used at airports The Belgian family of four was on their fourth trip to the United States. They had been dreading the long line at passport control when they entered the country but had heard about a new app they could use to ease their way and decided to give it a shot. Within minutes, they had bypassed the long line at Washington Dulles International Airport and were waiting for their luggage.
	Next-generation ShAPE metal extrusion arrives: Bringing patented technique closer to industrial applications Extrusion, which can produce complex parts made of lightweight metals, is an increasingly important manufacturing process for everything from buildings to electric vehicles. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory's (PNNL's) patented Shear Assisted Processing and Extrusion (ShAPE) technique is a step beyond traditional extrusion, capable of creating materials and components with extraordinary properties that cannot be achieved through conventional manufacturing.
	Hollywood celebs are scared of deepfakes: This talent agency will use AI to fight them As advancements in artificial intelligence proliferate, talent agencies are bulking up their defenses to protect Hollywood stars against misleading, manipulated images or videos that can put them at risk.
	Research team develops reconfigurable photonic computing architecture for lifelong learning Artificial intelligence (AI) tasks have become increasingly abundant and complex, fueled by large-scale datasets. With the plateau of Moore's law and end of Dennard scaling, energy consumption becomes a major barrier to more widespread applications of today's heavy electronic deep neural models, especially in terminal/edge systems.
	Amazon is cutting hundreds of jobs in its cloud computing unit AWS Amazon said Wednesday it's cutting hundreds of jobs in its cloud computing unit AWS as part of a strategic shift.
	Even hands-free, phones and their apps cause dangerously distracted driving Do you ever use your cell phone while driving? Don't feel too guilty about saying yes—nearly 60% of drivers admit to using their phone in hands-free mode while driving.
	America's green manufacturing boom, from EV batteries to solar panel production, isn't powered by renewable energy Panasonic's new US$4 billion battery factory in De Soto, Kansas, is designed to be a model of sustainability—it's an all-electric factory with no need for a smokestack. When finished, it will cover the size of 48 football fields, employ 4,000 people and produce enough advanced batteries to supply half a million electric cars per year.
	Food fraud is a growing economic and health issue, but AI and blockchain technology can help combat it A multi-billion pound criminal enterprise lurks amid our supermarket shelves. Food crime not only harms our wallets but threatens public health. It includes activities such as mislabelling a product, replacing a food or ingredient with another substance that is inferior, and even poisoning.
	Machine learning approach sheds new light on hotel customer satisfaction Customer satisfaction in the service sector, particularly within hospitality, has long been a focal point for both academic research and practical application. Traditional analyses, such as the Kano model and importance-performance analysis (IPA), have offered valuable frameworks but often fall short in capturing the intricate and non-linear nature of the attribute performance-customer satisfaction (AP-CS) relationship.
	Community-based electric mobility projects that integrate equity The backbone of every community, transportation connects people to everything from jobs and grocery stores to health care, vital services and social events.
	Flexible microspectrometer for mobile applications Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering IOF have developed a very compact spectrometer module. It maps spectra from 39 optical fibers onto one camera sensor in a small space. This is made possible by a special micro-optical system. The technology, which has potential for applications in quality assurance and analytics, will be presented at analytica trade fair in Munich from April 9 to 12.
	Teaching robots to walk on the moon, and maybe rescue one another The Palmer Glacier on Oregon's Mount Hood isn't the moon, but it's a good place to practice.
	High-speed railway track components inspection framework leverages latest advancements in AI In railway maintenance, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and deep learning technologies marks a shift from traditional inspection methods. A new study published in High-speed Railway introduces a high-performance rail inspection system, leveraging the latest advancements in AI, specifically employing YOLOv8 for fast and accurate defect detection.
	George Carlin estate settles with podcasters over fake comedy special purportedly generated by AI The estate of George Carlin has agreed to a settlement with the media company it sued over a fake hourlong comedy special that purportedly used artificial intelligence to recreate the late standup comic's style and material.
	Scathing federal report rips Microsoft for shoddy security, insincerity in response to Chinese hack In a scathing indictment of Microsoft corporate security and transparency, a Biden administration-appointed review board issued a report Tuesday saying "a cascade of errors" by the tech giant let state-backed Chinese cyber operators break into email accounts of senior U.S. officials including Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo.
	Tesla reports drop in auto sales, while Toyota sees US surge Tesla reported sharply lower first-quarter auto sales on Tuesday amid an underwhelming demand outlook for electric vehicles, while legacy players including Toyota rode improved US inventories to higher sales.
	EU probes Chinese-owned solar panel firms over subsidies The European Union on Wednesday announced investigations targeting two Chinese-owned solar panel manufacturers suspected of receiving subsidies as trade tensions heat up between Brussels and Beijing.
	Elon Musk's X has a new safety leader, nine months after predecessor left the social media platform Elon Musk's X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, has named a new head of safety nine months after the last executive to hold the position departed from the social media company.
	Truth Social: Why Donald Trump's social media 'meme stock' surged and fell by over US$1 billion within a week Donald Trump's social media platform, Truth Social, went public on Tuesday March 26. Shares in parent company Trump Media & Technology Group surged 15% after its first day of trading on the Nasdaq stock exchange, adding US$1.1 billion (£876 million) to the company's value.
	Key technologies in digital twin of railway wireless network The railway system will continue to integrate global positioning systems (GPS), artificial intelligence (AI), and other technologies to improve safety, comfort, affordability, and eco-friendliness. This puts forward higher requirements for railway wireless communication networks.

Chemistry news

	Water-based paints: Less stinky, but some still contain potentially hazardous chemicals Choosing paint for your home brings a lot of options: What kind of paint, what type of finish and what color? Water-based paints have emerged as "greener" and less smelly than solvent-based options. And they are often advertised as containing little-to-no volatile organic compounds (VOCs). But, according to research published in Environmental Science & Technology Letters, some of these paints do contain compounds that are considered VOCs, along with other chemicals of emerging concern.
	Microfabrication makes microdroplets 'pattern-obedient' but Gibbs equation 'disobedient' Microdroplets find versatile applications in fields of chemistry, materials science and biochemistry, particularly in chemical engineering and biochemical microfluidics like microreactors and biosensors. Achieving precise control over microdroplets in their shape, size, and contact angle (CA) is especially crucial for the applications like precise control of the printing/coating patterns and chemical reactions.
	Liquid metals research breaks ground in sustainable chemical manufacturing with metal-enhanced catalysts A team of co-authors from five different countries, has uncovered a new design concept for catalysts used in the industrially crucial methanol-to-hydrocarbon (MTH) process, enabling the production of high-demand chemical commodities from source-abundant methanol.
	Scientists identify class of binding molecules that can be used for targeted protein degradation In the battle against cancer and other diseases, scientists are developing molecular weapons that can be used to stop uncontrollable cell growth.
	New polymers show interaction with cells A new development in biomedical research could open the door to a variety of new applications: Scientists at the University of Bayreuth have found that certain polymers, called polyanions, can penetrate cells in a unique way without causing damage.
	Fuel cells: Oxidation processes of phosphorous acid revealed by tender X-rays The interactions between phosphorous acid and the platinum catalyst in high-temperature PEM fuel cells are more complex than previously assumed. Experiments at BESSY II with tender X-rays have decoded the multiple oxidation processes at the platinum-electrolyte interface. The results indicate that variations in humidity can influence some of these processes in order to increase the lifetime and efficiency of fuel cells.
	Researchers determine structure of new metal tellurate material with potential uses in solar energy and more Scientists have determined the structure of a new material with the potential to be used in solar energy, batteries, and splitting water to produce hydrogen.
	Deciphering how the body picks the right opioid enantiomers A new study aimed to understand how our bodies recognize and respond to different enantiomer forms of opioid. Led by Dr. Xiaohui Wang from the Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, the research has been published in the journal National Science Review.
	Video: Using chemistry and a 300-year-old technique to reinvent a drink Adding milk to an alcoholic drink and then curdling that milk is a 300-year-old preservation technique that was used by none other than Ben Franklin.
	Polaron interfacial entropy as a route to high thermoelectric performance in DAE-doped PEDOT:PSS films Among organic thermoelectric materials, PEDOT:PSS (poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene-poly(4-styrenesulfonate)) thin films have received extensive attention but suffer from low Seebeck coefficients of 10–20 μV K-1 due to the high oxidation states in the PEDOT polymer chain. Considerable effort has been devoted to increasing the Seebeck coefficient.

Biology news

	Inactivating the Tgfbr1 gene in mouse embryos results in extra limbs and no external genitals A team of bioengineers at Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, in Portugal, has found that inactivating the Tgfbr1 gene in mouse embryos results in altered development in the trunk to tail region.
	AI helps to detect invasive Asian hornets Artificial Intelligence can be used to detect invasive Asian hornets and raise the alarm, new research shows. University of Exeter researchers have developed VespAI, an automated system that attracts hornets to a monitoring station and captures standardized images using an overhead camera.
	Newly hatched chicks can instantly recognize objects with vision, even if they've only ever experienced them by touch In a study published in Biology Letters, researchers at Queen Mary University of London have cracked a centuries-old philosophical question about sight and touch. Led by Dr. Elisabetta Versace, the team used chicks to finally answer the question posed by William Molyneux in 1688: Can someone born blind instantly recognize objects by sight after gaining vision?
	More than a third of African great ape population faces risks related to mineral mining A recent study led by researchers from the German Center for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv), the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg (MLU) and the non-profit conservation organization Re:wild shows that the threat of mining to the great ape population in Africa has been greatly underestimated. Their results have been published in Science Advances.
	Two Jurassic mammaliaforms from China shed light on mammalian evolution Mammaliaforms are extinct and extant organisms that are closely related to mammals. Studying mammaliaforms helps scientists understand the evolutionary processes that led to various mammalian features.
	Early dinosaurs grew up fast, but fossil analysis suggests they weren't the only ones The earliest dinosaurs had rapid growth rates, but so did many of the other animals living alongside them, according to a study published in PLOS ONE by Kristina Curry Rogers of Macalester College, Minnesota and colleagues.
	New data from fossil shows changes in axial skeleton that foreshadow the evolution of walking Before the evolution of legs from fins, the axial skeleton—including the bones of the head, neck, back and ribs—was already going through changes that would eventually help our ancestors support their bodies to walk on land.
	Early developmental spinal cord extracellular matrix can promote neural regeneration In a study published in Cell Stem Cell, researchers led by Profs. Dai Jianwu and Zhao Yannan from the Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences have demonstrated the remarkable role of early developmental spinal cord extracellular matrix (ECM) in promoting neuronal axon growth and functional maturation, as well as enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of neural progenitor cells (NPCs) and spinal cord organoids in rat spinal cord injury (SCI).
	Scientists discover pressure determines which embryonic cells become 'organizers' A collaboration between research groups at the University of California, TU Dresden in Germany and Cedars-Sinai Guerin Children's in Los Angeles has identified a mechanism by which embryonic cells organize themselves to send signals to surrounding cells, telling them where to go and what to do. While these signaling centers have been known to science for a while, how individual cells turn into organizers has been something of a mystery.
	Extinction risk to southern resident orcas accelerating as researchers raise alarm Orca scientist Rob Williams always thought that conservation was a knowledge problem, that once science showed why a species was declining, people would fix it.
	A new computational technique could make it easier to engineer useful proteins To engineer proteins with useful functions, researchers usually begin with a natural protein that has a desirable function, such as emitting fluorescent light, and put it through many rounds of random mutation that eventually generate an optimized version of the protein.
	Discovery could end global amphibian fungal pandemic A fungus devastating frogs and toads on nearly every continent may have an Achilles heel. Scientists have discovered a virus that infects the fungus, and that could be engineered to save the amphibians.
	Amber reveals mating behavior of cretaceous water striders Fossilized mating insects are an irreplaceable find for understanding the evolution of mating behaviors and life history traits in the deep-time record of insects.
	A balancing act: EphB4 and ephrin-B2 regulate artery formation Conditions affecting the arterial vasculature present pressing challenges in global health. Yet, the complex mechanisms underlying artery formation remain elusive, impeding the development of new treatments.
	Scientists create plastic-free vegan leather that dyes itself, grown from bacteria Researchers at Imperial College London have genetically engineered bacteria to grow animal- and plastic-free leather that dyes itself.
	New discovery unravels malaria invasion mechanism A recent breakthrough sheds light on how the malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, invades human red blood cells. The study, led by the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH) and Griffith University's Institute for Glycomics, reveals the role of a sugar called sialic acid in this invasion process.
	Criollo cattle: Could an old breed be the beef industry's answer to climate change? As the threat of rising temperatures puts the world's food supplies at risk, new University College Dublin (UCD) research on a rare breed of "heat-resistant" cattle that thrive in warmer climates could point towards a more sustainable beef industry.
	Study gives first view of centromere variation and evolution A genomic study of human and selected nonhuman primate centromeres has revealed their unimaginable diversity and speed of evolutionary change.
	More social birds are more adventurous feeders, study finds A new study led by researchers at the University of Oxford has found that birds that are more social are more likely to use novel sources of food. The findings have been published in iScience.
	New tools reveal how genes work and cells organize Researchers from Aarhus University and the Italian Institute of Technology have discovered how certain proteins can attach to special structures in RNA, called G-quadruplexes. Additionally, they have developed computational tools capable of predicting these protein-RNA interactions. The newfound ability to predict these interactions can help future work in understanding molecular pathways in the cell and pave the way for developing drugs targeting these RNA G-quadruplex binding proteins, that are found to be involved in disease such as cancer.
	Researchers develop near-chromosome-level genome for the Mojave poppy bee Scientists at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)'s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and university research partners have developed a near chromosome-level genome for the Mojave poppy bee, a specialist pollinator of conservation concern, according to a recent paper published in the Journal of Heredity.
	Deciphering genomic language: New AI system unlocks biology's source code Artificial intelligence (AI) systems like ChatGPT have taken the world by storm. There isn't much in which they're not involved, from recommending the next binge-worthy TV show to helping navigate through traffic. But can AI systems learn the language of life and help biologists reveal exciting breakthroughs in science?
	Pollen is a promising sustainable tool in the bone regeneration process A new study has shown pollen grains can be used as green templates for producing biomaterials, showcasing their potential to support drug delivery and bone regeneration.
	Matador bugs use their own red flags to ward off predators In the quaint town of Gamboa, nestled near the Panama Canal, a team of scientists embarked on a unique endeavor: attaching red flags onto the legs of crickets and observing how birds respond to them. These eye-catching flags were borrowed from the matador bug (Anisoscelis alipes), an insect renowned for the colorful adornments on its hind legs. This trait has captivated Smithsonian postdoctoral fellow Ummat Somjee for several years, particularly given the matador bug's tendency to wave them. The persisting question: Why does it wave its colorful hind legs?
	How brown rats crawled off ships and conquered North American cities Brown rats are the undisputed winners of the real rat race. New research suggests that they crawled off ships arriving in North America earlier than previously thought and out-competed rodent rivals—going on to infuriate and disgust generations of city-dwellers and becoming so ubiquitous that they're known as common rats, street rats or sewer rats.
	Evolution in action? New study finds possibility of nitrogen-fixing organelles Nitrogen is a nutrient essential for all life on Earth. Although nitrogen gas (N2) is plentiful, it is largely unavailable to most organisms without a process known as nitrogen fixation, which converts dinitrogen to ammonium—a major inorganic nitrogen source.
	New sunflower family tree reveals multiple origins of flower symmetry The sunflower family tree has revealed that flower symmetry evolved multiple times independently, a process called convergent evolution, among the members of this large plant family, according to a new analysis. The research team, led by a Penn State biologist, resolved more of the finer branches of the family tree, providing insight into how the sunflower family—which includes asters, daisies and food crops like lettuce and artichoke—evolved.
	New Jurassic fossil findings provide insights into the development of the middle ear in mammals An international team of paleontologists has made a significant discovery in fossils that offer key information about the evolutionary shift from the jaw joint bones to those of the middle ear in early mammals.
	Mysterious python parasite threatens Florida's native snakes, pushing toward their 'extreme decline' A mysterious parasite from Asia is infecting snakes over most of Florida, and researchers believe it was likely brought here by invasive Burmese pythons.
	Q&A: The engineer who delivers mRNA inside human cells Messenger RNA became a household term when it was used as the backbone of the first COVID-19 vaccines, especially after the Nobel Prize was awarded to two mRNA pioneers at the University of Pennsylvania.
	Survey reveals UK butterfly winners and losers in the wake of record high temperatures Butterflies are important bellwethers of environmental change. Highly sensitive to climatic conditions and undergoing large fluctuations in abundance from year to year due to vagaries of weather, they offer a unique window into the ecology of our rapidly changing world.
	Module regulating culm development changes architecture and improves biomass of switchgrass Tiller number per plant and the average weight per tiller are two key factors contributing to biomass production in switchgrass and other grass species. However, the excessive grass tiller number always has a negative impact on culm development. The trade-off between tiller number and culm development also limits the application of the miR156-SPL module in further improving biomass in various grass species.
	Sacred forests are resilient and show capacity for recovery and expansion, Greece study finds New research has shown that the special status of sacred forests also gives them important ecological characteristics, in particular a high resilience that enables them to recover after periods when they were damaged and degraded.
	Harnessing infrared spectroscopy for consistent and predictable apple puree quality Apple puree is a major market player, integral to various products, yet its quality varies with the diversity of apple cultivars and processing conditions. For fruit processors, the ever-increasing variability of raw fruits means that their empirical know-how may not be sufficient to produce expected and constant final purees.
	Q&A: Experiencing the solar eclipse from an animal's perspective Awe, amazement and wonder are a few of the reactions humans have to a solar eclipse. The extremely rare occasion of being in the path of totality—where the moon's disk completely blocks the sun for a few short moments—captivates audiences and inspires a sense of excitement.
	What to know about the latest bird flu outbreak in the US A poultry facility in Michigan and egg producer in Texas both reported outbreaks of avian flu this week. The latest developments on the virus also include infected dairy cows and the first known instance of a human catching bird flu from a mammal.
	Q&A: Where the wild bees are—and aren't—impacts food supply Honey bees—plump, fuzzy, and famed for their honey-making—capture the popular imagination. Yet, wild bees are equally vital for pollination and, by some measures, outshine honey bees as pollinators. This is why UBC researcher Matthew Mitchell and his colleagues are deeply concerned about their declining populations.
	Could microbes be the answer to detoxifying Scottish water sources? Scottish researchers are discovering new ways of combating environmental damage caused by acid mine drainage in Scotland by studying bacteria that can degrade dangerous waste products.
	Scientists further our understanding of how foodborne bacteria can survive in food preparation environments Scientists from the Quadram Institute and the UK Health Security Agency have discovered that bacterial populations remain stable on the factory floor despite cleaning efforts in ready-to-eat food production facilities.
	Giant phage holds promise as treatment for lung infections, researchers find Researchers have discovered a new bacterial killer that can target common lung infections caused by Burkholderia bacteria that has exciting potential for biotechnological applications.
	China's orchid renaissance: Bridging ancient traditions and modern science In China, a country hosting over 1,700 of the world's roughly 30,000 orchid species, the orchid industry has witnessed substantial growth fueled by advancements in science and technology. The journal Ornamental Plant Research has recently published a review article titled "The China orchid industry: past and future perspectives."
	Unlocking the secrets of disease resistance in chrysanthemums: A holistic approach to combating black spot disease Chrysanthemum, celebrated for its ornamental, medicinal, and beverage value, faces significant threats from bacterial and fungal infections, particularly black spot disease caused by Alternaria alternate, which leads to severe economic losses. Current research has focused on developing resistant germplasm as an eco-friendly alternative to pesticides.
	S Korean fans bid farewell to internet-famous panda Fu Bao Thousands of well-wishers gathered Wednesday to bid farewell to the first giant panda born in South Korea, Fu Bao, who left for China in a high-tech non-vibrating vehicle typically used for transporting semi-conductors.
	South Africa to end captive lion breeding for hunting South Africa on Wednesday laid out plans to phase out the captive breeding of lions for hunting purposes as the country moves to ban the controversial business.
	Year-old seadragons make debut at California aquarium More than a decade ago, Leslee Matsushige traveled to Australia to "study seadragons in the wild."
	Regulation of carotenoid metabolism in Zinnia elegans by carotenoid cleavage dioxygenase Zinnia elegans is an annual herbaceous ornamental flower widely cultivated in domestic and foreign gardens due to its diversity in flower types, color, and landscaping versatility. The Petal color of Zinnia elegans ranges widely from red to orange and yellow due to the different content of carotenoids and anthocyanins.
	Study of MADS-box genes in passion fruit illuminates plant organ development and stress responses Passion fruit (Passiflora edulis), renowned for its nutritional richness and aromatic fruits, is widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions. Passion fruit can not only be harvested year-round but also can be used as a horticultural plant, which contributes significantly to its economic value.
	Unraveling ethylene's role in carnation postharvest life: Insights into varietal sensitivity and genetic regulation Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus L.) is a flower widely cultivated for its appealing appearance and fragrance. However, it faces postharvest challenges that can affect its ornamental quality, primarily due to water stress and microbial growth.
	Enhancing grassland sustainability: Strategies to delay leaf senescence in forage and turf grasses Leaf aging is a complex biological phenomenon influenced by growth stages, plant hormones, and various environmental conditions. In the context of forage and turf grasses, managing leaf aging can significantly enhance the quality of forage, improve the aesthetic and functional value of lawns and turfs, and increase the resistance of grasses to stress.

Medicine and Health news

	Testing environmental water to monitor COVID-19 spread in unsheltered encampments To better understand COVID-19's spread during the pandemic, public health officials have expanded wastewater surveillance. These efforts track SARS-CoV-2 levels and health risks among most people, but they miss people who live without shelter, a population particularly vulnerable to severe infection.
	Working outside the typical 9–5 in younger adulthood may be linked with worse health decades later The hours you work earlier in life may be associated with worse health years later, according to a study published in the open-access journal PLOS ONE by Wen-Jui Han from New York University, US.
	Air quality in schools: Shielding kids with intellectual and developmental disabilities from COVID During the pandemic, University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC) researchers, including those from the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center (IDDRC), teamed up with the Mary Cariola Center to study ways to prevent COVID infection among children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), a particularly vulnerable population. Together, they found that good airflow and filtration in schools may help these children and their teachers avoid COVID infections. The study is published in PLOS ONE.
	In people with opioid use disorder, telemedicine for HCV was more than twice as successful as off-site referral People with opioid use disorder who have hepatitis C virus (HCV) were twice as likely to be successfully treated and cured from HCV if they received facilitated telemedicine treatment at their opioid treatment program (OTPs) than if they were referred off-site to another provider. Those are the findings published today by a University at Buffalo team of researchers in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA).
	Researchers find genetic variant coding for tubulin protein that may be partially responsible for left-handedness A team of geneticists at the Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, in The Netherlands, has found a genetic variant that codes for a tubulin protein that may be partially responsible for left-handedness in humans. In their study, published in the journal Nature Communications, the group analyzed genetic data from hundreds of thousands of people who have medical profiles in the UK Biobank.
	A molecular route to decoding synaptic specificity and nerve cell communication Neurons or nerve cells are the fundamental components of the central nervous system and are critically involved in signal transduction pathways. Transmission of information or signal from one neuron to another requires the establishment of a neuronal synapse: either chemical (neurotransmitters) or electrical (protein channels and ions). However, little is known about the underlying mechanism regarding the binding specificity and the ability to form preferential interactions between neuronal pairs.
	Researchers predict real-world SARS-CoV-2 evolution by monitoring mutations of viral isolates Junior Associate Professor Kazuo Takayama (Department of Cell Growth and Differentiation) and a collaborative team of researchers in Japan recently characterized SARS-CoV-2 collected from a persistent COVID-19 patient to identify critical factors responsible for generating new mutant strains.
	Researchers make mice a more powerful tool to study a wide range of human diseases In humans, the exact same mutation in a specific gene can produce widely different outcomes. It's a bit like adding the same amount of salt to different recipes—the effect on the finished dish can be quite different, depending on the mix of other ingredients.
	Exploring the effect of the presence of familiar people in interpersonal space When we communicate with other people face-to-face, we do so by maintaining a certain physical distance from each other. This space surrounding our body while interacting is called the interpersonal space (IPS), and maintaining adequate IPS is crucial for better communication.
	Researchers discover novel drug candidate to combat fatty liver disease Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a burgeoning global health concern, posing a significant threat to public health and escalating the burden on health care resources. Characterized by the accumulation of fat in the liver, MASLD increases the risk of progressing to more severe conditions such as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), which is marked by inflammation, ballooning, and potential fibrosis.
	Immunotherapy for Alzheimer's disease shows promise in mouse study Alzheimer's disease starts with a sticky protein called amyloid beta that builds up into plaques in the brain, setting off a chain of events that results in brain atrophy and cognitive decline. The new generation of Alzheimer's drugs—the first proven to change the course of the disease—work by tagging amyloid for clearance by the brain's immune cells.
	Team moves forward in developing a vaccine for the 'zombie drug' xylazine Xylazine is an FDA-approved sedative and pain reliever for use in animals, but it has severe adverse effects when used in humans. It is now illicitly being added to opioids, like fentanyl and heroin, as well as cocaine—leading to a sharp rise in overdose deaths.
	Users actively seek and share child sexual abuse material on Tor, but help is available to those willing to stop The Onion Router (Tor) encrypts the origin of communications to avoid surveillance, ensure uncensored internet browsing, and enable the creation and maintenance of anonymous and untraceable onion websites. An international team of researchers has completed the first large-scale study of Tor users to discover what exactly they are looking for and how widely child sexual abuse material (CSAM) is available through the Tor network. The researchers also conducted an intercept survey to engage Tor users directly.
	Study: Life expectancy increased as world addressed major killers, though poor pandemic management slowed progress Global life expectancy increased by 6.2 years since 1990 according to a new study published in The Lancet. Over the past three decades, reductions in death from leading killers have fueled this progress, including diarrhea and lower respiratory infections, as well as stroke and ischemic heart disease.
	Researchers map how the brain regulates emotions Ever want to scream during a particularly bad day, but then manage not to? Thank the human brain and how it regulates emotions, which can be critical for navigating everyday life. As we perceive events unfolding around us, the ability to be flexible and reframe a situation impacts not only how we feel, but also our behavior and decision-making.
	Doctors on front line of tackling childhood obesity need more training and resources, say researchers Doctors are feeling unable to tackle the growing problem of childhood obesity due to a lack of training and capacity according to new research.
	Study finds e-cigarette users now more likely to quit traditional cigarettes A new paper in Nicotine & Tobacco Research finds that smokers who switch to electronic cigarettes are now more likely to stop smoking regular cigarettes. In the past, smokers who began using electronic cigarettes mostly continued smoking. The paper is titled, "Divergence in cigarette discontinuation rates by use of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS): Longitudinal findings from the U.S. PATH Study Waves 1-6."
	Unfavorable social factors may raise heart disease risk factors in Asian American adults Having more unfavorable social determinants of health, such as being unemployed, uninsured or not having education beyond high school, was associated with an increased likelihood of having risk factors for cardiovascular disease among Asian American adults, according to new research published today in the Journal of the American Heart Association.
	Hope for treating autoimmune diseases: Researchers explore diagnostic role of the systemic inflammation index A routine blood test that measures a patient's inflammation levels could improve the early diagnosis and management of a wide range of debilitating autoimmune diseases.
	Earlier menopause plus high cardiovascular risk may lead to cognitive problems later Earlier menopause combined with higher risk of cardiovascular disease is linked to an increased risk of thinking and memory problems later, according to a new study published in the online issue of Neurology. In this study, earlier menopause is defined as occurring before age 49.
	New study targets major risk factor for gastric cancer What if we could eliminate a major risk factor for stomach cancer in Black, Asian, Latino and other vulnerable populations? A new study from Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine shows the feasibility of reaching out to high-risk communities with free, accessible testing and treatment for Helicobacter pylori bacterium infection—a major risk factor for gastric cancer.
	Powder power: The good, bad and nutrient overload Many people are looking to supercharge their health, or simply lose weight, with one of the latest trends in nutrition—powders. Makers of these easy-to-mix nutrient products claim they provide all the essential vitamins needed while helping consumers to lose weight, but what do they do? How do they affect the body?
	Study shows questionnaire can better identify complex post-traumatic stress disorder in veterans Military mental health services should urgently adopt an internationally recognized trauma questionnaire to better diagnose and treat veterans with complex post-traumatic stress disorder, a new study with Charles Darwin University (CDU) has revealed.
	Adding diversity to your research process: A new system Insufficient diversity in clinical trials and other research cohorts is widely recognized as one of American health care's greatest problems and one that continues to skew scientific data and conclusions in ways that disadvantage enormous numbers of people.
	One in five US cancer patients join in medical research More patients these days are taking part in cancer research, a new study finds.
	High levels of glucose, triglycerides linked to psychiatric disorders, study says High levels of glucose and triglycerides are associated with future risk for depression, anxiety, and stress-related disorders, according to a study published online April 2 in JAMA Network Open.
	Largest US egg producer says bird flu detected in chickens at Texas plant A Texas plant full of egg-laying hens has been shut down temporarily after bird flu was detected in the animals.
	Emergency department see more infants of mothers with depressive symptoms Infants with mothers with depressive symptoms have higher overall and nonemergent emergency department use, according to a study published in the April issue of Health Affairs.
	Relative deficiency in immune cells can account for poorer vaccination responses in the older population As we age, the immune system's efficacy weakens, leading to less effective defenses against new pathogens—such as the SARS-CoV-2 virus. How immunosenescence in older adults affects their immune response to COVID-19 mRNA vaccinations is poorly understood and is an active area of study.
	Gut bacteria and the immune system: How aging changes the microbiome The human immune system changes with age. Immune responses start to become less robust as people get older, which makes them more vulnerable to certain infections and diseases. However, immune system aging looks different from person to person. Research has shown that changes to the composition and diversity of the microorganisms in the gut may explain these differences in immune system aging.
	Why cocaine is considered performance-enhancing for athletes, and why it matters when the athlete took it Australian Rules Football and illicit drugs have been in the media for all the wrong reasons recently.
	There are new flu vaccines on offer for 2024. Should I get one? What do I need to know? Influenza is a common respiratory infection. Although most cases are relatively mild, flu can cause more severe illness in young children and older people.
	Affordable stroke-risk screening could save the lives of many children with sickle cell disease in sub-Saharan Africa Most of the estimated 300,000 babies born every year with sickle cell disease, an inherited red blood cell disorder, live in sub-Saharan Africa in nations where there are few resources to treat them.
	A century after the EEG was discovered, it remains a crucial tool for understanding the brain Jena, Germany, 1924: Working in near-isolation and with painstaking tediousness, the psychiatrist Hans Berger observes rhythmic electrical activity from the scalp of human subjects. He is convinced the activity arises from within the brain and coins the term "electroencephalogram."
	Could sharing a bedroom with your pets be keeping you from getting a good night's sleep? Sleeping with your dog in the same room could be negatively affecting your sleep quality, according to my team's recently published research in Scientific Reports.
	Noma is a truly devastating tropical disease—more people need to know about it Noma is a rapidly progressing and often deadly gangrenous infection of the face. Horrifically, it mainly affects very young children living in extreme poverty. Despite this, few know of Noma's existence.
	How food preferences are linked to cognition and brain health, and why a balanced diet is superior From the crispy crunch of fresh veggies to the creamy indulgence of decadent desserts, we all have different food preferences. Our palates develop uniquely, shaped by genetics, culture and personal experiences.
	Rich people, bribes and depression—study finds link between corruption and mental health among Ghanaian students Corruption comes in many forms in Ghana. Bribery, misappropriation of funds, extortion and administrative theft remain pervasive and affect key sectors of Ghana's economy. In a 2023 Afrobarometer survey, 77% of Ghanaians surveyed responded that corruption was on the rise in the country.
	Hope is not the same as optimism, a psychologist explains—just look at MLK's example On April 3, 1968, standing before a crowded church, the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. painted his vision for justice. "I've seen the Promised Land," he said. "I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight that we, as a people, will get to the Promised Land."
	New research explains how brain blood vessels are formed Cardiovascular diseases, including myocardial infarction and stroke, are the world's leading cause of death, claiming around 18 million lives a year. This observation justifies the adage that you are only as old as your arteries and explains why researchers are working relentlessly to understand how the cardiovascular system develops and functions.
	Recent contact with young children linked to over 60s risk of acquiring pneumonia-causing bacteria New research being presented at this year's European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ECCMID 2024) in Barcelona, Spain (27-30 April) finds that pneumonia-causing bacteria are common in the over 60s and that contact with pre-school and young school-aged children appears to be the most important factor in the onward transmission of Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) to the over 60s.
	Puppets could offer valuable support for autistic teenagers Puppets could potentially provide autistic teens with a tool to communicate, express their identity and interact socially in ways that are uniquely their own, according to a new study by Dr. Olivia Karaolis, lecturer in special and inclusive education.
	Study finds gunshots in American cities twice as likely at night, disrupting sleep for those in earshot The crack of a gunshot ringing out in the night is all too familiar to many Americans. A new study captures just how common—and potentially disruptive—nighttime gunshots can be in American cities.
	Even moderate alcohol usage during pregnancy linked to birth abnormalities, researchers find University of New Mexico researchers have found that even low to moderate alcohol use by pregnant patients may contribute to subtle changes in their babies' prenatal development, including lower birth length and a shorter duration of gestation.
	Fighting pancreatic cancer with computers and lasers Faster detection and less invasive surgery offer hopes of advances against a leading fatal disease in Europe, pancreatic cancer.
	Researchers demonstrate how vital conditions enable perinatal well-being Perinatal mental illness is a leading cause of death during pregnancy and the first postpartum year in the U.S. Alison Stuebe, MD, MSc, professor of maternal fetal medicine in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the UNC School of Medicine, authored a study with colleagues on how a holistic approach comprising seven domains can foster conditions for women and birthing people to thrive.
	Large language models in health: Useful, but not a miracle cure Imagine you're shopping online and talking to a helpful bot about buying some new shoes. That's the basic idea behind large language models (LLMs). LLMs are a type of artificial intelligence (AI) and they are gaining traction in health care.
	A new hope in immunotherapy against cancer In a new study published in Molecular Oncology, researchers have discovered a novel mechanism to enhance the body's immune response to tumors.
	New electronic medical record tool helps clinicians diagnose mpox Diagnosing infectious conditions can be challenging. Diagnosis is especially challenging for uncommon and emerging infectious diseases for which there's limited clinical experience. Nevertheless, successfully identifying patients with infectious diseases, especially communicable ones, is critical, so patients can be isolated to reduce disease spread.
	Development of a remote monitoring training system for home exercise programs Researchers at University of Tsukuba have developed SUKUBARA, a home training system that includes a complex exercise program. This program can be easily and quickly performed by watching instructional videos and using a remote monitoring system. The effectiveness of the proposed system was evaluated with elderly participants, demonstrating its potential to increase muscle mass and leg strength.
	A new displacement-pressure biparametrically regulated softness sensory system for intraocular pressure monitoring High intraocular pressure (IOP) is a significant risk factor for glaucoma. Current IOP tests are mostly conducted in hospitals, while portable home tonometers that provide convenient IOP monitoring are expensive and often suffer from large errors (> 5 mmHg). There is a pressing need for the development of a convenient, low-cost, and highly accurate eye pressure monitor.
	Key insights from statistical modeling of cancer patient life expectancy With the progress in treatment for most cancer types, there is a growing interest to understand the overall impact of a cancer diagnosis throughout the remaining lifespan. In addition to conventional survival probabilities, estimating life expectancy following cancer diagnosis and loss in life expectancy for cancer patients in comparison to if they did not have cancer provides valuable insights into the societal burden of cancer.
	Researchers investigate the role of tickling in adult sexuality Scientists at the Institute of Pathophysiology of the University Medical Center Mainz made the first comprehensive analysis on how adults use tickling in connection with sexual activity. As part of their study, they surveyed 719 people with a so-called tickling fetish. The paper is published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology.
	Drug shows promise for slowing progression of rare, painful genetic disease A drug used to treat certain bone diseases shows promise for slowing the progression of a rare, painful genetic condition that causes excessive calcium buildup in the arteries, known as arterial calcification due to deficiency of CD73 (ACDC). These results are from a first-in-human clinical trial supported by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), part of the National Institutes of Health.
	Enhancing hypoxia-activated prodrug anticancer therapy Hypoxia-activated prodrugs (HAPs) have the potential to activate specifically in hypoxic tumors and eliminate tumor cells, which has brought new opportunities for safe and effective anticancer therapy. However, their therapeutic efficacy is limited by inadequate hypoxia within the treated tumors.
	Popular holistic health approach delivers limited benefits, finds study A new study has revealed a popular, holistic approach to managing an individual's relationship with food and dieting has one clear benefit—reducing hunger. The Health at Every Size (HAES) practice concentrates on intuitive eating behaviors, without focusing on changes in body weight or size.
	New study shows LLMs respond differently based on user's motivation A new study recently published in the Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association (JAMIA) reveals how large language models (LLMs) respond to different motivational states.
	Hepatitis C cases dropped in the US. Health officials aren't sure if it's a blip or a trend New U.S. hepatitis C infections dropped slightly in 2022, a surprising improvement after more than a decade of steady increases, federal health officials said Wednesday.
	Why heart rhythm problems tend to happen early in the morning Many studies have shown that potentially lethal heart rhythm disturbances ('ventricular arrhythmia') are more likely to occur in the morning, when people wake after a night's sleep, but until now the trigger mechanism has not been fully understood.
	Oral microbiome and cancer: A closer look into the intricate interplays of the mouth's hidden world The human mouth is a bustling ecosystem teeming with microscopic life. While we often associate oral health with brushing, flossing, and regular dental check-ups, there's more to the story.
	Reliable emergency room translations might be job for humans, AI together While the garbled translation of a newspaper article in a foreign language may be nothing more than an annoyance, uses of machine translation technology extend to higher-stakes settings as well: In a hospital emergency room, incorrectly translated discharge instructions or medication protocols could have life-threatening consequences.
	Low-income US adults left behind while rest of US experienced large declines in heart attack, stroke risk over 30 years Over the last three decades, heart disease deaths have plummeted in the US, but a new study suggests cardiovascular benefits apply only to people in higher-income populations. For poor populations, heart attack rates stayed the same or got worse during that 30-year period.
	Massachusetts population survey shows no increase in problem gambling following introduction of casinos The prevalence of problem and at-risk gambling has not significantly changed since casinos were introduced in Massachusetts beginning in 2015, according to the first statewide population survey that compares gambling behavior and attitudes before and after the opening of three casinos in the commonwealth.
	Paper: Policy reforms urgently needed to mitigate racial disparities in perinatal mental health conditions A team of researchers is calling for comprehensive changes to U.S. health care and social policies to improve diagnosis and treatment of perinatal mental health conditions and mitigate the dramatic disparities that put women of color at significantly greater risks of morbidity and mortality compared with white women.
	Extending Medicaid coverage after birth may increase postpartum treatment for depression, anxiety Extending postpartum Medicaid eligibility extensions may increase treatment for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs), a leading cause of perinatal illness and mortality, according to a new study led by Boston University School of Public Health (BUSPH) and Brown University researchers.
	Suicide and mental health: Half of those who lose someone to suicide in Norway see a general practitioner afterwards Around 650 people take their own lives in Norway every year. Many of those bereaved by suicide themselves face challenges with mental health afterwards. Many have also had more frequent contact with a GP in the run-up to the suicide.
	COVID-19 vaccination as effective for adults with common mental disorders as for those without, finds study A large multi-state electronic health record-based study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC's) VISION Network has found that COVID-19 vaccines are as effective for adults with anxiety, depression, or mood disorders as for individuals without these common diagnoses. This is one of the first studies to evaluate COVID-19 mRNA vaccine effectiveness for those living with mental illness.
	Genetic analysis reveals true origin of chronic kidney disease in undiagnosed patients Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is extremely prevalent among adults, affecting over 800 million individuals worldwide. Many of these patients eventually require therapy to supplement or replace kidney functions, such as dialysis or kidney transplants.
	Magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound in intracranial diseases Magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) is a non-invasive technique for neuroregulation. It offers several advantages, including being non-invasive, eliminating the need for general anesthesia requirements, and enabling real-time target localization and real-time temperature monitoring.
	Optimizing chronic subdural hematoma treatment Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is a neurological condition where blood clots between the brain's surface and its outer covering, causing symptoms like headaches and weakness. Alarmingly, its global incidence and recurrence rates are rising, especially in older adults with health issues.
	Women with serious mental illness want pregnancy information, resources from mental health providers Women with serious mental illness (SMI) who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy face gaps in information, support and resources in mental health services, new research suggests.
	Novel theranostic tool allows for noninvasive identification and treatment of ovarian cancer A new radiotheranostic system has the ability to detect and treat ovarian cancer noninvasively, according to new research published in the April issue of the Journal of Nuclear Medicine. Combining the highly specific huAR9.6 antibody with PET and therapeutic radionuclides, this theranostic platform may provide more personalized treatment to improve health outcomes for ovarian cancer patients.
	Good evidence confuses ChatGPT when used for health information, study finds A world-first study has found that when asked a health-related question, the more evidence that is given to ChatGPT, the less reliable it becomes—reducing the accuracy of its responses to as low as 28%.
	A paramedic was skeptical about this treatment for stopping repeat opioid overdoses. Then he saw it help Fire Capt. Jesse Blaire steered his SUV through the mobile home park until he spotted the little beige house with white trim and radioed to let dispatchers know he'd arrived.
	World facing last chance to keep pandemic accord alive Countries thrashing out a historic agreement on tackling future pandemics have one month to bridge their differences because failure cannot be an option, the negotiations co-chair told AFP.
	Stay healthy abroad: Why you should see a travel medicine specialist before your trip As you get ready to travel to another country, you probably have many details to coordinate and plan. One essential task, depending on where those travels take you, may be to make an appointment to see a travel medicine specialist.
	Anti-smoking groups sue FDA again over menthol ban delays Three anti-smoking groups announced Tuesday that they have sued the U.S. government yet again after it missed its latest deadline for enacting a ban on menthol cigarettes.
	Gastroenterologist offers tips to make colonoscopy bowel prep easier For many people, one of the most uncomfortable parts of a colonoscopy is the preparation for the procedure.
	Does methylene blue or mitoquinone improve skeletal aging? A new research paper titled "Targeting mitochondrial dysfunction using methylene blue or mitoquinone to improve skeletal aging" has been published in Aging.
	Long-distance and low-attenuation magnetic energy focusing technology for deep-tissue wireless powering Fully implantable electronic devices such as cardiac pacemakers, cardiovascular monitors and deep brain stimulators, have been widely developed in medical monitoring, diagnosis, and treatments. Existing implantable devices are based on power supply through replaceable batteries, self-powering supply, and wireless power transfer. The key challenge for disposable batteries is the limited life, which requires intermittent replacement via surgery, resulting in non-negligible health risks and medical costs.

Other Sciences news

	Study on the psychology of blame points to promising strategies for reducing animosity within political divide Ever look at a member of an opposing political party and wonder, "how could they possibly hold those despicable beliefs?"
	Breakthrough in prime number theory demonstrates primes can be predicted Both arithmetic aficionados and the mathematically challenged will be equally captivated by new research that upends hundreds of years of popular belief about prime numbers.
	Early humans used wood splitting 300,000 years ago to hunt animals, study shows Early humans used sophisticated crafting techniques such as "wood splitting" to hunt and to clean animal hides, a new study has revealed.
	Last chance to record archaic Greek language 'heading for extinction' A new data crowd-sourcing platform aims to preserve the sound of Romeyka, an endangered millennia-old variety of Greek. Experts consider the language to be a linguistic goldmine and a living bridge to the ancient world.
	China dominates new academic rankings based on open-access research University leaders pay close attention to comparative rankings such as those offered by Times Higher Education, ShanghaiRanking Consultancy and others. Rankings influence student matriculation numbers, attract talented faculty and justify donations from wealthy donors. University leaders rail against them, and some schools "withdraw" from them, but rankings are influential.
	Schools are using research to try to improve children's learning—but it's not working Evidence is obviously a good thing. We take it for granted that evidence from research can help solve the post-lockdown crises in education—from how to keep teachers in the profession to how to improve behavior in schools, get children back into school and protect the mental health of a generation.
	Rigid decision-making practices might be hurting conscientious employees Rigid and centralized decision-making practices might be harming how highly conscientious employees—those who are diligent, productive, and ethically inclined—are perceived by others, according to new research by The University of Western Australia.
	Chatbot guides women through post-prison challenges Most women leaving prison face profound disadvantages and rarely have access to the resources needed to settle back into the community. Seemingly simple tasks such as obtaining replacement identification documents or opening a bank account become tangled in complexities.
	We fly Congress: How airlines covertly lobby politicians A study from Temple University faculty member Min-Seok Pang outlines how airlines increase flights to cater to the chair of the United States House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
	Researcher sees 'alarming' risk of political violence in US Editor's note: This article contains content around violence and racism that may be upsetting for some readers.
	Are universities connected to local sustainability? A new study suggests yes and no A new study finds that universities scoring strongly on measures of sustainability are associated with innovation and economic growth in their surrounding communities. However, the study did not find similar connections between university sustainability performance and environmental sustainability in their home communities.
	Positive work culture provides 'emotional paycheck' for most, but younger Gen Z employees treasure flexibility Results of a new survey suggest a positive organizational culture is the top non-financial factor impacting well-being at work for most individuals, but younger Gen Z workers place more value on flexibility.
	Guidance counselors could help female high schoolers erase the STEM gender gap: Report New research from the Rice University Kinder Institute for Urban Research's Houston Education Research Consortium (HERC) finds that female students may be more likely to stick with STEM curriculum when they receive support from high school guidance counselors.
	Weak self-control, social media and targeted advertising increase impulse buying, says study Online shopping and digital payment options have made shopping easier and more enjoyable—money can be spent almost unnoticeably. These factors predispose people to impulse purchases. A lack of budgeting and cost control may lead a consumer into financial problems.
	Researchers study psychology of compulsive online shopping Research has investigated compulsive online shopping behavior in India, with a specific focus aimed at unzipping the triggers and antecedents related to the purchase of jeans. The research is published in the International Journal of Networking and Virtual Organisations.
	Closing the microcredit gender gap in Ghana Small loans can help people establish and expand their small businesses. A field study in Ghana has now revealed that men ask for and receive more money from microcredit companies than women. However, if women are better informed, they are more likely to apply for higher amounts.
	Experiencing extreme weather predicts support for policies to mitigate effects of climate change Most Americans report having personally experienced the effects of extreme weather, according to new survey data from the Annenberg Public Policy Center that finds support for pro-environmental government policies meant to lessen the effects of climate change.
	Study: Vanishing photos make dating app matches multiply Because of catfishing and other dating scams, privacy is essential on online dating sites, even more so than other places online. However, these privacy concerns can make people reticent to share the very personal information that could help them make a connection with someone.
	Talking politics with strangers isn't as awful as you'd expect, research suggests Many of us avoid discussing politics with someone who holds an opposing viewpoint, assuming the exchange will turn nasty or awkward. But having those conversations is far more gratifying than we expect, a new research paper suggests.
	How rightwing beliefs shape your view of the past—while leftwingers look to the future The division between right and left around the world has rarely felt more polarized. Of course there have always been differences between people on the different ends of the political spectrum, but now it seems they are living in different worlds entirely. This is perhaps related to the tendency for those on the right to focus on the past and to strive for a world that once was and the tendency for those on the left to do the opposite.
	Research explores impact of 'manfluencer' culture on Australian schools Research from Monash University has unveiled concerning insights into the resurgence of male supremacy and the advancement of toxic masculinity in Australian schools.
	MakerDAO from a traditional finance perspective: Researchers analyze DeFi project Decentralized finance systems (DeFi) is a new blockchain-based solution, where transactions are carried out automatically through smart contracts without any intermediaries (banks, brokers, etc.), while users have direct control over their assets.
	Standardized methodology measures cocoa household income What data needs to be collected for the evidence-based design of strategies to ensure that cocoa farming households substantially progress towards or achieve a living income? Evidence-based strategies have to be designed to ensure cocoa farming households obtain a living income. How can data contribute to designing such strategies?

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