Science X Newsletter Thu, May 2

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Here is your customized Science X Newsletter for May 2, 2024:

Spotlight Stories Headlines

TOI-837 b is a young Saturn-sized exoplanet with a massive core, observations find

International team cracks genomic code for earliest forms of terrestrial plant life

Researchers develop near-chromosome-level genome for the Mojave poppy bee

Twisting and binding matter waves with photons in a cavity

Why do male chicks play more than females? Study finds answers in distant ancestor

Study finds young adults reduced drinking during and after pandemic

Random robots are more reliable: New AI algorithm for robots consistently outperforms state-of-the-art systems

Weak magnetic field may have supported diversification of life on Earth

Study reveals hidden diversity of innate immune cells

Testing for residual cancer cells before blood cell transplant therapy is important and practical, new study finds

How the brain structure that produces norepinephrine also helps control visual attention

Trial finds increasing or altering smoking-cessation treatment helps persistent smokers quit

New sugar-based catalyst could offer a potential solution for using captured carbon

Investigation reveals varied impact of preschool programs on long-term school success

First report of wound treatment by a wild animal using a pain-relieving plant

Nanotechnology news

	Study unveils 3D printing PQD-polymer architectures at room temperature A technology enabling the fabrication of intricate three-dimensional (3D) quantum dot (QD)-based structures at room temperature has been developed.
	Nano-drugs hitching a ride on bacteria could help treat pancreatic cancer Many pancreatic tumors are like malignant fortresses, surrounded by a dense matrix of collagen and other tissue that shields them from immune cells and immunotherapies that have been effective in treating other cancers. Employing bacteria to infiltrate that cancerous fortification and deliver these drugs could aid treatment for pancreatic cancer, according to newly published findings from a team of University of Wisconsin–Madison researchers.
	Nanotubes, nanoparticles and antibodies detect tiny amounts of fentanyl A research team at the University of Pittsburgh led by Alexander Star, a chemistry professor in the Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences, has developed a fentanyl sensor that is six orders of magnitude more sensitive than any electrochemical sensor for the drug reported in the past five years. The portable sensor can also tell the difference between fentanyl and other opioids.
	Developing a tech platform for fast, robust series production of nanoparticles Nucleic acid-based medications such as mRNA vaccines offer tremendous potential for medicine and are opening up new therapeutic approaches. These active ingredients must be enclosed inside nanoparticles to ensure that they get to where they are needed inside the body's cells.

Physics news

	Twisting and binding matter waves with photons in a cavity Precisely measuring the energy states of individual atoms has been a historical challenge for physicists due to atomic recoil. When an atom interacts with a photon, the atom "recoils" in the opposite direction, making it difficult to measure the position and momentum of the atom precisely. This recoil can have big implications for quantum sensing, which detects minute changes in parameters, for example, using changes in gravitational waves to determine the shape of the Earth or even detect dark matter.
	Researchers find unexpected roadblock to conductivity in Mott insulators In the realm of condensed matter physics, few phenomena captivate physicists' curiosity as much as Mott insulators. According to traditional theory, this odd class of materials should be capable of conducting electricity, yet they behave mostly as insulators.
	Research demonstrates high qubit control fidelity and uniformity in single-electron control The journal Nature has published a research paper, "Probing single electrons across 300-mm spin qubit wafers," demonstrating state-of-the-art uniformity, fidelity and measurement statistics of spin qubits. The industry-leading research opens the door for the mass production and continued scaling of silicon-based quantum processors, all of which are requirements for building a fault-tolerant quantum computer.
	Significant new discovery in teleportation research: Noise can improve the quality of quantum teleportation Researchers have succeeded in conducting an almost perfect quantum teleportation despite the presence of noise that usually disrupts the transfer of quantum state. The results have been published in the journal Science Advances.
	Researchers unveil single-shot and complete polarization imaging system using metasurfaces Think of all the information we get based on how an object interacts with wavelengths of light—aka color. Color can tell us if food is safe to eat or if a piece of metal is hot. Color is an important diagnostic tool in medicine, helping practitioners diagnose diseased tissue, inflammation, or problems in blood flow.
	Good vibrations: Low-energy lasers induce atomic excitation in semiconductor materials Semiconductors are a cornerstone of next-generation technology, so a new method to excite atoms in semiconductor materials is likely to excite a broad range of researchers and industries as well.
	Researcher creates optical magnetometer prototype that detects errors in MRI scans Hvidovre Hospital has the world's first prototype of a sensor capable of detecting errors in MRI scans using laser light and gas. The new sensor, developed by a young researcher at the University of Copenhagen and Hvidovre Hospital, can thereby do what is impossible for current electrical sensors—and hopefully pave the way for MRI scans that are better, cheaper and faster.
	Physicists arrange atoms in close proximity, paving way for exploring exotic states of matter Proximity is key for many quantum phenomena, as interactions between atoms are stronger when the particles are close. In many quantum simulators, scientists arrange atoms as close together as possible to explore exotic states of matter and build new quantum materials.

Earth news

	Weak magnetic field may have supported diversification of life on Earth An unusual reduction in the strength of Earth's magnetic field between 591 and 565 million years ago coincided with a significant increase in the oxygen levels in the atmosphere and oceans, according to a paper published in Communications Earth & Environment. The authors propose that the weakening of the magnetic field may have led to the increase in oxygen, which is believed to have supported the evolution of some of the earliest complex organisms.
	Climate is one culprit in growth and spread of dust in Middle East Climate change is transforming dust storms—a natural phenomenon in the Middle East—into a more frequent and widespread threat to health and economies throughout the region, a new study shows.
	A look at the past suggests atmospheric rivers inundating California could get worse A team of paleoclimatologists with the U.S. Geological Survey, NASA Ames Research Park, has found that atmospheric rivers in the past have dumped far more rain on California than those that have occurred over the past two years.
	Wildfires in wet African forests have doubled in recent decades, large-scale analysis finds A new study presents the first large-scale analysis of fire patterns in West and Central Africa's wet, tropical forests. The number of active fires there typically doubled over 18 years, particularly in the Congo Basin. The increases are primarily due to increasingly hot, dry conditions and humans' impact on the forests, including deforestation. The increase in forest fires is likely to continue given current climate projections, according to the study.
	Coastal hurricanes around the world are intensifying faster, new study finds Hurricanes are among the world's most destructive natural hazards. Their ability to cause damage is shaped by their environment; conditions like warm ocean waters, guiding winds, and atmospheric moisture can all dictate storm strength.
	Human activity is causing toxic thallium to enter the Baltic Sea, finds new study Human activities account for a substantial amount—anywhere from 20% to more than 60%—of toxic thallium that has entered the Baltic Sea over the past 80 years, according to new research by scientists affiliated with the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) and other institutions.
	Oil palm plantations are driving massive downstream impact to watershed The global demand for palm oil—the most widely consumed vegetable oil on the planet, in everything from instant noodles to lipstick—is driving worldwide tropical deforestation. While many studies have shown the loss of biodiversity when rainforests are converted to oil palm plantations, researchers at the University of Massachusetts of Amherst are the first to show far-reaching and wide-ranging disturbances to the watersheds in which such plantations occur.
	In the Jersey suburbs, a search for rocks to help fight climate change In early spring, George Okoko was perched on a ledge 15 feet up a crumbly cliff, trying to whack off a basketball-size piece of rock with a hammer and chisel. The locale was suburban Berkeley Heights, N.J. The rock was basalt, a common product of volcanism. This batch formed some 200 million years ago, during vast eruptions that occurred as Europe slowly tore away from North America, creating a chasm that became the Atlantic Ocean.
	A clock in the rocks: What cosmic rays tell us about Earth's changing surface and climate How often do mountains collapse, volcanoes erupt or ice sheets melt?
	Scientists advance research of harmful PFAS chemicals and their impacts A bemused fishmonger at a seafood market in Portsmouth, N.H., weighed and packaged a dozen filets of fish and three lobster tails for his unusually exacting customers, Dartmouth researchers Celia Chen, Guarini, a research professor of biological sciences, and Nathan Giffard on a warm afternoon in May 2022.
	Researchers say nature recovery must be integrated across all sectors to bend the curve of biodiversity loss The alarming rates of biodiversity loss worldwide have made clear that the classical way of governing biodiversity recovery based on protected areas and programs for the protection of endangered species is not enough. To tackle this, almost 200 countries committed to the active 'mainstreaming' or integration of biodiversity targets into policies and plans across relevant sectors.
	Kenya floods death toll rises to 188 as heavy rains persist The number of people who have lost their lives in devastating floods in Kenya since March has risen to 188, with dozens still missing, the interior ministry said on Thursday.
	Nepal battles raging wildfires across the country Firefighters and local residents battled a massive wildfire on the outskirts of Nepal's capital Thursday as the Himalayan republic endures a severe fire season authorities have blamed on a heat wave.
	Kids study in overheated slum as Philippines shuts schools Fourth-grader Ella Araza sat on a tiny plastic box in her Manila slum home, trying to finish her homework before the afternoon sun sent temperatures soaring to unbearable levels.
	Kenya, Tanzania brace for cyclone as heavy rains persist Kenya and Tanzania were bracing Thursday for a cyclone on the heels of torrential rains that have devastated East Africa, killing more than 350 people and forcing tens of thousands from their homes.

Astronomy and Space news

	TOI-837 b is a young Saturn-sized exoplanet with a massive core, observations find European astronomers have performed photometric and spectroscopic observations of a distant giant exoplanet known as TOI-837 b. As a result, they found that TOI-837 b is a young Saturn-sized planet containing a massive core, which challenges current core formation theories. The findings are presented in a paper published on the preprint server arXiv.
	Webb telescope probably didn't find life on an exoplanet—yet Recent reports of NASA's James Webb Space Telescope finding signs of life on a distant planet understandably sparked excitement. A new study challenges this finding, but also outlines how the telescope might verify the presence of the life-produced gas.
	Intercropping viable for optimizing vegetable production on Mars A group of crop systems analysts at Wageningen University and Research, in the Netherlands, has found evidence that intercropping on Mars could be a viable option for optimizing vegetable production.
	X-ray satellite XMM-Newton sees 'space clover' in a new light Astronomers have discovered enormous circular radio features of unknown origin around some galaxies. Now, new observations of one dubbed the Cloverleaf suggest it was created by clashing groups of galaxies.
	China set to blast off to the far side of the moon—here's what it could discover China is attempting to recover the first ever soil and rock samples from the lunar far side. The surface mission, Chang'e 6, named after the Chinese moon goddess Chang'e, is a successor to the successful sample return mission, Chang'e 5, and a part of the Chinese lunar exploration program.
	Two small NASA satellites will measure soil moisture, volcanic gases Two NASA pathfinding missions were recently deployed into low-Earth orbit, where they are demonstrating novel technologies for observing atmospheric gases, measuring freshwater, and even detecting signs of potential volcanic eruptions.
	Pulsed plasma rocket (PPR): Shielded, fast transits for humans to Mars The future of a space-faring civilization will depend on the ability to move both cargo and humans efficiently and rapidly. Due to the extremely large distances that are involved in space travel, the spacecraft must reach high velocities for reasonable mission transit times. Thus, a propulsion system that produces a high thrust with a high specific impulse is essential. However, no such technologies are currently available.
	Fluidic telescope (FLUTE): Enabling the next generation of large space observatories The future of space-based UV/optical/IR astronomy requires ever larger telescopes. The highest priority astrophysics targets, including Earth-like exoplanets, first generation stars, and early galaxies, are all extremely faint, which presents an ongoing challenge for current missions and is the opportunity space for next generation telescopes: larger telescopes are the primary way to address this issue.
	The Great Observatory for Long Wavelengths (GO-LoW) proposal Humankind has never before seen the low frequency radio sky. It is hidden from ground-based telescopes by the Earth's ionosphere and challenging to access from space with traditional missions because the long wavelengths involved (meter- to kilometer-scale) require infeasibly massive telescopes to see clearly.
	Japanese aerospace company captures an actual picture of space debris Space debris is a growing problem, so companies are working on ways to mitigate it. A new satellite called ADRAS-J was built and launched to demonstrate how a spacecraft could rendezvous with a piece of space junk, paving the path for future removal.

Technology news

	Random robots are more reliable: New AI algorithm for robots consistently outperforms state-of-the-art systems Northwestern University engineers have developed a new artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm designed specifically for smart robotics. By helping robots rapidly and reliably learn complex skills, the new method could significantly improve the practicality—and safety—of robots for a range of applications, including self-driving cars, delivery drones, household assistants and automation.
	Researchers create massive open dataset to advance AI solutions for carbon capture To avoid catastrophic climate impacts, excessive carbon emissions must be addressed. At this point, cutting emissions isn't enough. Direct air capture, a technology that pulls carbon dioxide out of ambient air, has great potential to help solve the problem.
	Researchers find use of olivine in cement production could result in carbon negative concrete A small team of materials scientists and environmental engineers at Imperial College London has found that using olivine in cement could result in carbon-negative concrete. In their study, published in the journal Royal Society Open Science, the group conducted experiments with cement mixing that resulted in a way to produce it in a more climate-friendly manner.
	New memory transistor integrates photocrosslinker into molecular switches to adjust its threshold voltage A research team has developed a memory transistor capable of adjusting its threshold voltage. This innovation combines two molecules that form a stable bond with a polymeric semiconductor, situated at the end of a molecular switch. The research was recently featured in the online edition of Advanced Science.
	Cost-effective, high-capacity and cyclable lithium-ion battery cathodes Charge-recharge cycling of lithium-super-rich iron oxide, a cost-effective and high-capacity cathode for new-generation lithium-ion batteries, can be greatly improved by doping with readily available mineral elements.
	Beware of AI-based deception detection, warns scientific community Artificial intelligence may soon help to identify lies and deception. However, a research team from the Universities of Marburg and Würzburg warns against premature use.
	Stretchable e-skin could give robots human-level touch sensitivity A first-ever stretchy electronic skin could equip robots and other devices with the same softness and touch sensitivity as human skin, opening up new possibilities to perform tasks that require a great deal of precision and control of force.
	Microsoft will invest $2.2 billion in cloud and AI services in Malaysia Microsoft is investing $2.2 billion over the next four years in Malaysia's new cloud and artificial intelligence infrastructure as well as partnering with the government to establish a national AI center, its CEO Satya Nadella said Thursday.
	States rethink data centers as 'electricity hogs' strain the grid State Sen. Norm Needleman championed the 2021 legislation designed to lure major data centers to Connecticut.
	Can AI-powered drive-throughs save the day for fast food operators? It didn't take long for Harshraj Ghai to respond to the impact of California's new $20 an hour minimum wage for his 3,700 fast-food employees.
	Electricity from farm waste: How biogas could help Malawians with no power In sub-Saharan Africa, over 600 million people (more than 50% of the population) are without access to electricity. Malawi has one of the world's lowest electricity access rates—just 14.1% of the total population have access to the main grid. In rural areas, the electrification access rate is even lower, estimated at 5.6% in 2021.
	AI use by businesses is small but growing rapidly, led by IT sector and firms in Colorado and DC The rate of businesses in the U.S. using AI is still relatively small but growing rapidly, with firms in information technology, and in locations like Colorado and the District of Columbia, leading the way, according to a new paper from U.S. Census Bureau researchers.
	US judge grills both sides in landmark Google antitrust trial A US judge on Thursday pushed against the central pleas of both US government and Google lawyers as he heard their closing arguments at a landmark antitrust trial in Washington.
	How green cities could remove CO₂ from the atmosphere More than a thousand cities around the world now have "net zero" pledges: they want to emit only as much CO2 into the atmosphere as they can simultaneously recapture. An elaborate meta-study has now summarized the state of knowledge on which methods might be useful and what they could achieve.
	New AI tool efficiently detects asbestos in roofs so it can be removed A team of researchers from the Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC) has designed and tested a new system for detecting asbestos that has not yet been removed from the roofs of buildings, despite regulatory requirements.
	What to expect from the next generation of chatbots: OpenAI's GPT-5 and Meta's Llama-3 Recently, there has been a flurry of publicity about the planned upgrades to OpenAI's ChatGPT AI-powered chatbot and Meta's Llama system, which powers the company's chatbots across Facebook and Instagram.
	Twitch app is redefining journalism as it moves into news coverage, says study The popular app Twitch, created to livestream video game action, is redefining journalism as it becomes a source for news, University of Oregon research found.
	Leveraging robots to help make wind turbine blades Researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) have successfully leveraged robotic assistance in the manufacture of wind turbine blades, allowing for the elimination of difficult working conditions for humans and the potential to improve the consistency of the product.
	Modular software for scientific image reconstruction Scientists use an array of imaging instruments to look inside living organisms, sometimes as they move, and to observe inert objects without altering their state. Such instruments include telescopes, microscopes, CT scanners and more. But these instruments, even when working at maximum capacity, often generate only partial images or images of too low quality to provide much insight.
	Light, flexible, efficient: Perovskite-based tandem solar cells Roof tiles are becoming a thing of the past: Today, more and more Swiss roofs boast large black and blue rectangles that convert sunlight into electricity. The blueish color comes from silicon crystals, as the majority of solar cells available today are based on this semiconductor material. But silicon is not the only way to make a solar cell—and possibly not even the best.
	A laser immersion probe for smart inline monitoring of water and wastewater A new type of laser-based immersion probe, which the Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT in Aachen is testing as part of projects with industrial partners and users, could pave the way for continuous inline monitoring of water treatment processes in wastewater treatment plants.
	Say hello (again) to EA Sports College Football. The beloved video-game behemoth is back In a Michigan basement decked out in maize and blue, a father sat with his son.
	13 years in US prison for Ukrainian REvil hacker A Ukrainian man was sentenced to more than 13 years in prison in Texas on Wednesday for his role in ransomware attacks by the notorious Russia-based REvil hacking group, the US Justice Department said.
	Microsoft makes renewable energy deal with Canada's Brookfield Microsoft and Canada's Brookfield Asset Management have struck an agreement for the development of renewable energy that could make one of the biggest corporate purchases of green energy to date, the companies said on Tuesday.
	Artists from Universal Music Group are heading back to TikTok as new licensing deal reached Artists from Universal Music Group, which include Drake, Adele, Bad Bunny and Billie Eilish, will be returning to TikTok as the two parties have struck a new licensing agreement following an approximately three-month long dispute.
	Broadband internet services are disrupted in most parts of Nepal Broadband internet was disrupted in many parts of Nepal on Thursday as Indian vendors from whom most Nepali private operators source the bandwidth stopped providing the services because of payment defaults.

Chemistry news

	New sugar-based catalyst could offer a potential solution for using captured carbon A new catalyst made from an inexpensive, abundant metal and common table sugar has the power to destroy carbon dioxide (CO2) gas.
	Chemists develop highly reflective black paint to make objects more visible to autonomous cars Driving at night might be a scary challenge for a new driver, but with hours of practice it soon becomes second nature. For self-driving cars, however, practice may not be enough because the lidar sensors that often act as these vehicles' "eyes" have difficulty detecting dark-colored objects.
	Chemists use new approach in the synthesis of complex natural substances They are found as fragrances in cosmetics or as flavorings in food, and form the basis of new medications: Terpenes are natural substances that occur in plants, insects and sea sponges. They are difficult to produce synthetically. However, chemists at the University of Basel are now introducing a new method of synthesis.
	Centipedes used in traditional Chinese medicine offer leads for kidney treatment A venomous, 8-inch centipede may be the stuff of nightmares, but it could save the life of those affected by kidney disease. Researchers report in the Journal of Natural Products that the many-legged critter—used in traditional Chinese medicine—contains alkaloids that in cell cultures reduced inflammation and renal fibrosis, which both contribute to kidney disease.
	New eco-friendly lubricant additives protect turbine equipment, waterways Scientists at the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed lubricant additives that protect both water turbine equipment and the surrounding environment.
	Scientists' new approach in fight against counterfeit alcohol spirits In the shadowy world of counterfeit alcoholic spirit production, where profits soar and brands are exploited, the true extent of this illegal market remains shrouded.
	Natural sun protection for wood floors and furniture To keep wood from aging prematurely, it's important to protect it effectively against ultraviolet (UV) radiation. At the same time, people want to retain the look and feel of natural wooden surfaces, but the transparent protective coatings that are currently widely commercially available often contain harmful chemical compounds.
	Research team develop porous sponge material for enhancing kidney hemostasis and repair A POSTECH research team have crafted a material aimed at swiftly staunching kidney bleeding and facilitating wound recovery. Their research featured in the online edition of Biomaterials.
	New process tackles pollution on dual fronts of plastic waste and fuel emissions What if we could help the global plastic waste problem and the transportation industry with the same technology?

Biology news

	International team cracks genomic code for earliest forms of terrestrial plant life Plant life first emerged on land about 550 million years ago, and an international research team co-led by University of Nebraska–Lincoln computational biologist Yanbin Yin has cracked the genomic code of its humble beginnings, which made possible all other terrestrial life on Earth, including humans.
	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.
	Why do male chicks play more than females? Study finds answers in distant ancestor Play is widespread, but far from ubiquitous, across the animal kingdom. Especially common in mammals, play is also known to occur in taxa as diverse as birds, fish, octopuses, and even insects. But what is its function, given that natural selection never selects fun for its own sake? One prominent hypothesis is that play is beneficial to individuals because it allows them to practice skills needed later in life.
	First report of wound treatment by a wild animal using a pain-relieving plant Even though there is evidence of certain self-medication behaviors in animals, so far it has never been known that animals treat their wounds with healing plants.
	Pet parrots prefer live video-calls over watching pre-recorded videos of other birds Pet parrots given the choice to video-call each other or watch pre-recorded videos of other birds will flock to the opportunity for live chats, new research shows.
	Understanding cellular transcription responses to oxygen deprivation A multiprotein complex is essential for regulating cellular responses to oxygen deprivation, a key feature of cancer, according to a Northwestern Medicine study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
	Antimicrobial peptide from cows shows potential for treating hypervirulent bacteria University of Central Florida College of Medicine researcher Renee Fleeman is on a mission to kill drug-resistant bacteria, and her latest study has identified a therapy that can penetrate the slime that such infections use to protect themselves from antibiotics.
	Deeper understanding of malaria parasite sexual development unlocks opportunities to block disease spread For the first time, the developmental stages of the deadliest human malaria parasite have been mapped in high resolution, allowing researchers to understand this ever-adapting adversary in more detail than previously possible.
	Researchers detect toxic chemicals in aquatic organisms with new AI method Swedish researchers at Chalmers University of Technology and the University of Gothenburg have developed an AI method that improves the identification of toxic chemicals—based solely on knowledge of the molecular structure.
	Life's insiders: Decoding endosymbiosis with mathematics Endosymbiosis, the intimate and long-term relationship where one organism lives inside another, is a cornerstone of life as we know it, and a key to the emergence of complex life on Earth. Many of the mysteries surrounding endosymbiosis are difficult to tackle using empirical approaches alone.
	Mice navigating a virtual reality environment reveal that walls, not floors, define space New research published in Current Biology sheds light on how animals create and maintain internal spatial maps based on their surroundings.
	For microscopic organisms, ocean currents act as 'expressway' to deeper depths, study finds Some of the ocean's tiniest organisms get swept into underwater currents that act as a conduit that shuttles them from the sunny surface to deeper, darker depths where they play a huge role in affecting the ocean's chemistry and ecosystem, according to new research.
	Bigger brains allow cliff-nesting seagull species to survive and thrive in urban environments Seagull species that have bigger brains are more likely to nest on coastal cliffs and may also be better adapted to breed in urban environments such as on the roofs of buildings.
	Study finds human noise negatively impacts cricket survival and reproduction As the sun sets and the sweltering heat gives way to a balmy evening, there's one sound that fills the air, both beloved and bothersome: the rhythmic symphony of chirping crickets. However, human-generated noise can mask the harmony of the cricket song, prompting researchers to question whether it is also drowning out the melody.
	Morocco's farming revolution: Defying drought with science In the heart of sun-soaked Morocco, scientists are cultivating a future where tough crops defy a relentless drought, now in its sixth year.
	CDC, FDA, USDA answer big questions about the growing bird flu outbreak Representatives with multiple agencies including the CDC, the United States Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration on May 1 discussed the latest news about bird flu in the U.S.
	Great white sharks off South Africa's coast are protected by law, but not in practice—this needs to change In less than eight years, white sharks in South Africa have all but disappeared from their historical hotspots in False Bay and Gansbaai, on the Western Cape coast. These areas were once known as the "white shark capital of the world" and were home to a flourishing ecotourism industry. One possible explanation for this change would be a declining white shark population.
	Cassava: The perilous past and promising future of a toxic but nourishing crop The three staple crops dominating modern diets—corn, rice and wheat—are familiar to Americans. However, fourth place is held by a dark horse: cassava.
	London's runaway horses remind us that animals are workers too The extraordinary sight of five horses galloping through London, sweating and covered in blood, caused the hashtag #Apocalypse to trend briefly on social media last week.
	Studies assess feasibility of aquaculture wastewater treatment methods Aquaculture production operations that help feed the world's growing population also generate polluted wastewater that harms the environment. Four studies published by Purdue University scientists since last May document the feasibility of previously unproven methods for successfully treating the wastewater.
	The COVID-19 pandemic changed our patterns and behaviors, which in turn affected wildlife The Earth now supports over eight billion people who collectively have transformed three-quarters of the planet's land surface for food, energy, shelter and other aspects of the human enterprise.
	Bioreactor processes and cryotechnologies improve active ingredient tests using human cell cultures Many new drug candidates end up failing because they cause serious side effects in clinical trials even though lab tests involving cell cultures have been successful. This is a common occurrence if the cells used come from animal tissue, for example.
	Supplementing diet for farmed abalones to manipulate greenlip abalone lip and shell color A mixed diet including native algae gives Australia's prized cultured abalone the colors and appearance preferred by lucrative Asian markets, new research shows.
	Artificial intelligence enhances monitoring of threatened marbled murrelet Artificial intelligence analysis of data gathered by acoustic recording devices is a promising new tool for monitoring the marbled murrelet and other secretive, hard-to-study species, research by Oregon State University and the U.S. Forest Service has shown.
	Team evaluates agricultural management practices in new nitrous oxide accounting method As greenhouse gases go, nitrous oxide (N2O) is a doozy. With a global warming potential 273 times that of carbon dioxide, mitigating N2O could make a big difference. But before mitigation can happen, it's important to understand where the compound is coming from.
	Long-awaited Chicago policy doesn't do enough to protect migrating birds, advocates say Annette Prince peered between glossy downtown buildings: "There's a bird in that grate."
	Systematic testing of natural oils on in vitro skin models For some years now, the trend in the cosmetics and skincare sector has been toward transparency and natural, sustainable ingredients. A growing number of consumers are rejecting cosmetics that contain petroleum-derived mineral oils and silicone oils. As a result, manufacturers are increasingly turning toward plant-based oils, fats, and waxes as substitutes.
	Research explores energy and land-use practices on US golf courses In 2018, golf was estimated to contribute significantly to the US economy, generating $84 billion, supporting 2 million jobs, and providing $59 billion in compensation. Given its prominence, golf holds a valuable position within US culture. However, golf's operations, which inherently require expansive land and energy resources, can have environmental implications. Human behaviors and facility designs governing energy consumption play a crucial role in mitigating these impacts. Regular assessment of land use and energy practices is essential to accurately gauge the environmental footprint of golf facilities and to encourage the adoption of sustainable management practices.
	Study calls for a repurposing of input subsidies to promote sustainable IPM practices A CABI-led study has revealed that participation in the Zambia Farmer Input Subsidy Program (FISP)—particularly the flexible e-voucher system—encourages synthetic pesticide use at the expense of sustainable practices.
	Citizen science project finds that respectful boat users are rewarded with magical dolphin encounters A citizen science project reveals that most boat users along the North-East coast in the U.K. do not disturb dolphins and are often rewarded with close-up encounters.

Medicine and Health news

	Study finds young adults reduced drinking during and after pandemic A new study examined the drinking levels and patterns of young adults before, during and after the pandemic. The researchers found alcohol use and alcohol-related problems substantially decreased in heavy-drinking young adults during the pandemic, and these decreases were still evident as the pandemic began to wane. The results are available in the May 2 issue of the journal Nature Mental Health.
	Study reveals hidden diversity of innate immune cells Findings from a new study, led by researchers at Dartmouth's Geisel School of Medicine and published in Nature Immunology, have uncovered key functional differences in macrophages—a type of white blood cell that plays a pivotal role in the body's innate (general) immune system as a first-line defender against pathogens.
	Testing for residual cancer cells before blood cell transplant therapy is important and practical, new study finds Patients in remission after battling a high-risk blood cancer are likely to have better outcomes if no trace of the cancer is detectable before the patients receive donor blood cells.
	How the brain structure that produces norepinephrine also helps control visual attention The locus coeruleus (LC) is a small region of the brainstem that produces norepinephrine, a chemical with powerful effects on arousal and wakefulness which plays an important role in the body's response to stress or panic. Now, research from the University of Chicago shows it plays a specific role in visual sensory processing as well.
	Trial finds increasing or altering smoking-cessation treatment helps persistent smokers quit For most smokers, quitting on the first attempt is likely to be unsuccessful, but a new study from The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center found patients were more likely to quit if their cessation regimen was altered and doses were increased. Researchers also found that varenicline, a cessation medication, was more effective than combined nicotine replacement therapy (CNRT), such as patches or lozenges.
	Malaria may shorten leukocyte telomeres among sub-Saharan Africans, study finds The length of telomeres in white blood cells, known as leukocytes, varies significantly among sub-Saharan African populations, researchers report in The American Journal of Human Genetics. Moreover, leukocyte telomere length (LTL) is negatively associated with malaria endemicity and only partly explained by genetic factors.
	Synchronization between central and circadian clocks of tissues found to preserve their functioning, prevent aging Two complementary research articles, published simultaneously in the journals Science and Cell Stem Cell by a team of scientists from the UPF and IRB Barcelona, reveal that central and peripheral circadian clocks coordinate to regulate the daily activity of skin and muscles.
	Scientists identify new treatment target for leading cause of blindness Medical College of Georgia scientists report that a gene previously implicated in the development of atherosclerotic lesions in coronary arteries could be key to understanding why many people don't benefit from the most used therapy for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of blindness.
	Study pinpoints cell that helps liver heal A type of cell responsible for repairing damaged liver tissue has been uncovered for the first time by scientists.
	Turning a tumor's 'shield' into a weapon against itself Tumor cells are "cunning," according to Peter Yingxiao Wang. They have a nefarious way of evading the human immune responses that fight back against these cancerous invaders. Tumor cells express programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) molecules, which work like a defensive shield that suppresses our immune cells, posing a hurdle for targeted cancer immunotherapies.
	Companies may still buy consumer genetic information despite its modest predictive power Genetics can be associated with one's behavior and health—from the willingness to take risks, and how long one stays in school, to chances of developing Alzheimer's disease and breast cancer. Although our fate is surely not written in our genes, corporations may still find genetic data valuable for risk assessment and business profits, according to a perspective published in The American Journal of Human Genetics. The researchers stress the need for policy safeguards to address ethics and policy concerns regarding collecting genetic data.
	New findings activate a better understanding of Rett syndrome's causes Rett syndrome is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder for which there is currently no cure or good therapy. It causes severe physical and cognitive symptoms, including many that overlap with autism spectrum disorder.
	Four state-of-the-art AI search engines for histopathology images may not be ready for clinical use Four proposed state-of-the art image search engines for automating search and retrieval of digital histopathology slides were found to be of inadequate performance for routine clinical care, new research suggests.
	Controlled human infection study paves the way to improving vaccines and therapeutics development A first-of-its-kind study led by the University of Oxford has successfully investigated human immunity against COVID-19 in people who already have antibodies against it. The results suggest that previous infection, together with vaccination, offers strong protection against the original COVID-19 strain.
	Unknown risk factor linked to high rates of kidney cancer, DNA study finds Researchers analyzing the DNA of people with kidney cancer worldwide have found evidence of an unknown trigger that could explain the longstanding mystery of why some countries have a higher incidence of the disease.
	Early genetic development of the brain mapped In an article published in Nature, researchers from Karolinska Institutet present an atlas of the early development of the brain. The atlas can be used, among other things, to find out what went wrong in the development of brain tumors in children and also to find new treatments.
	Epigenomic analysis sheds light on risk factors for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis For most patients, it's unknown exactly what causes amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a disease characterized by degeneration of motor neurons that impairs muscle control and eventually leads to death.
	A link between breast changes and … UTIs? Mouse study finds these infections provoke a bodily response Women's health is often talked about in terms of major, life-altering events like pregnancy and menopause. A new study from Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) underscores the importance of considering everyday occurrences' impact on women's well-being.
	Gene signatures from tissue-resident T cells as a predictive tool for melanoma patients An extensive analytical study conducted at the Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI) has revealed an association between favorable survival outcomes for melanoma patients and the presence of higher populations of tissue-resident memory T cells (TRM).
	Activation of innate immunity: Important piece of the puzzle identified LMU researchers have deciphered the complex interplay of various enzymes around the innate immune receptor toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7), which plays an important role in defending our bodies against viruses.
	Blood diagnostics device modeled on leeches could be use to detect malaria Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a safe and inexpensive device for reliable blood measurements. It works using a suction cup and could also be employed to diagnose the tropical disease malaria—even by non-medical personnel. The study is published in Advanced Science.
	Small molecule shows early-stage promise for repairing myelin sheath damage When treated with a novel protein function inhibitor called ESI1, mice that mimic the symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS) and lab-prepared human brain cells both demonstrated the ability to regenerate vital myelin coatings that protect healthy axon function.
	AI can tell if a patient battling cancer needs mental health support Researchers at UBC and BC Cancer have developed a new artificial intelligence (AI) model that can accurately predict if a person receiving cancer care will require mental health services during their treatment journey.
	Sea slugs inspire highly stretchable biomedical sensor The revolution in personalized medicine is well underway—with wearable devices and DIY home testing, it's easier than ever to track everything from heart rate, to glucose levels, to microbiome diversity.
	Researchers discover how immune B cells hunt down cancer around the body Scientists have discovered the key features of immune B cells that make them successful at targeting tumors—including when cancer has spread to a different part of the body.
	Scientists track 'doubling' in origin of cancer cells Working with human breast and lung cells, Johns Hopkins Medicine scientists say they have charted a molecular pathway that can lure cells down a hazardous path of duplicating their genome too many times, a hallmark of cancer cells.
	TAVR associated with lower in-hospital complications in patients with aortic stenosis and cardiogenic shock A nationwide observational analysis of patients with aortic stenosis (AS) and cardiogenic shock (CS) who underwent transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) or surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) determined that patients who underwent TAVR had lower in-hospital complications and resource utilization compared with SAVR. The results were presented today at the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions (SCAI) 2024 Scientific Sessions.
	Heart attacks have declined 50% nationally since 2004, yet underrepresented groups remain at highest risk New research focusing on heart attacks, specifically ST‐segment–elevation myocardial infarctions (STEMIs), has uncovered that socioeconomic, racial, and gendered disparities are associated with greater risk and that those affected are less likely to receive certain procedures. The data were presented at the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions (SCAI) 2024 Scientific Sessions.
	New studies reveal underrepresentation of women and Hispanic population in the treatment of peripheral artery disease New study findings underscore gaps in clinical trial representation of women and Hispanics for peripheral artery disease (PAD) and chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) research. All studies were presented today at the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions (SCAI) 2024 Scientific Sessions.
	Pregnancy-related deaths have fallen to pre-pandemic levels, new US data says U.S. pregnancy-related deaths have fallen back to pre-pandemic levels, new government data suggests.
	A new form of mpox that may spread more easily found in Congo's biggest outbreak Congo is struggling to contain its biggest mpox outbreak, and scientists say a new form of the disease detected in a mining town might more easily spread among people.
	Heart health varies with race among sexual-minority females For sexual-minority (SM) females, cardiovascular health (CVH) varies across race and ethnicity, according to a study published online May 1 in JAMA Network Open.
	Avoid raw milk to cut risk of bird flu, officials urge People drinking raw unpasteurized milk are at risk for potentially contracting bird flu, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warned May 1.
	Pediatric resource use less likely with legalization of recreational cannabis, study finds In cases of cannabis intoxication in children, resource utilization is less likely in states with recreational legalization of cannabis, according to a study published online May 1 in Pediatrics.
	Florida county will be one of the first in the nation to dispatch a drone that responds to 911 calls On May 1, Manatee County was set to launch a new pilot program that uses a drone to deliver a defibrillator, a tourniquet, or naloxone—an opioid-overdose antidote—to emergency scenes. The program is meant to reduce response times for life-threatening situations.
	A promising new treatment strategy for deadly flu-related brain disorders It might start simply, with a cough or sneeze, but in some cases, the flu virus can make its way to your brain, causing serious symptoms or even death through a disease known as influenza-associated encephalopathy (IAE).
	Study in women shows significant link between regular exercise during middle-age and physical health in later life Consistent adherence to physical activity guidelines throughout middle-age is associated with a higher health-related quality of life in women, according to a study published May 2 in the open-access journal PLOS Medicine by Binh Nguyen of University of Sydney, Australia, and colleagues.
	Skin patch improves treatment for pediatric milk allergies Daily immunotherapy delivered via a dermal patch reduced the risk of reactions, including anaphylaxis, in children with an immunoglobulin E (IgE)–mediated cow's milk allergy, according to a recent clinical trial published in JAMA Pediatrics.
	Radial arterial access found superior to femoral access in percutaneous coronary intervention New data demonstrate the superiority of radial arterial access compared to femoral arterial access for coronary interventions. Findings showed radial access was associated with lower rates of in-hospital mortality, major access bleeding, and other major vascular complications compared with femoral access. The late-breaking results were presented today at the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions (SCAI) 2024 Scientific Sessions.
	AI yields promising results for advancing coronary angiography New insights from the AI-ENCODE study showed artificial intelligence (AI) successfully allowed the automated extraction of key functional and physiological data from routine angiograms. The results were presented at the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions (SCAI) 2024 Scientific Sessions.
	Women need better treatments for bacterial vaginosis: Researchers call for studies for a treatment already used in EU Bacterial vaginosis (BV) affects about one-quarter of reproductive-age women and is linked to adverse health outcomes, such as increased HIV risk. Yet for decades, BV treatment in the United States has largely relied on antibiotics, and BV recurrence is common following antibiotic therapy.
	Pre-procedural strategy for cardiac catheterization found to improve patient well-being and satisfaction New data from the CALORI Cardiac Catheterization trial shows significant improvement in patient well-being and satisfaction without compromising safety after implementation of a liberal non-fasting strategy prior to a cardiac catheterization procedures. The late-breaking results were presented today at the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions (SCAI) 2024 Scientific Sessions.
	Gene therapy treatment increasing body's signal for new blood vessel growth shows promise Final 12-month data from the EXACT trial demonstrates safety and efficacy results for a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene therapy treatment for patients who have advanced coronary artery disease (CAD). The late-breaking results were presented today at the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions (SCAI) 2024 Scientific Sessions.
	Novel score system accurately identifies lesions, reducing risk of percutaneous coronary intervention complications New data demonstrated that a left main (LM) bifurcation-specific novel scoring system (LM V-RESOLVE), based on three simple baseline angiographic findings, could help to rapidly discriminate lesions at risk of side branch (SB) occlusion during LM bifurcation percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)—reducing risk during the procedure.
	Economy, election spur rising anxiety among Americans in 2024 A looming presidential election, continued economic struggles and the threat of gun violence have a rising number of Americans more anxious this year compared to last, a new poll finds.
	Government data shows US maternal deaths declined in 2022 The number of American women who died at or soon after childbirth declined significantly in 2022, the latest government data shows, but the rate is still higher than pre-pandemic levels.
	Do we really need to burp babies? Here's what the research says Parents are often advised to burp their babies after feeding them. Some people think burping after feeding is important to reduce or prevent discomfort crying, or to reduce how much a baby regurgitates milk after a feed.
	How much time should you spend sitting versus standing? New research reveals the perfect mix for optimal health People have a pretty intuitive sense of what is healthy—standing is better than sitting, exercise is great for overall health and getting good sleep is imperative.
	Brain cancer in children is notoriously hard to treat—a new mRNA cancer vaccine triggers an attack from within Brain cancers remain among the most challenging tumors to treat. They often don't respond to traditional treatments because many chemotherapies are unable to penetrate the protective barrier around the brain. Other treatments like radiation and surgery can leave patients with lifelong debilitating side effects.
	Alarming decline in children's health and well-being predated pandemic, research reveals The COVID pandemic affected several aspects of children's health and well-being. The number of children referred to specialist mental health teams in England has soared by more than 50% in just three years, for example. But recent research from my colleagues and I reveals that problems such as these were increasing even before the pandemic.
	Placental hormone spike in late pregnancy linked to postpartum depressive symptoms A University of California, Irvine-led team has found evidence of a potential link between patterns of changes in a key pregnancy hormone—placental corticotropin-releasing hormone—and symptoms of postpartum depression.
	As federal menthol ban languishes, Black smokers are left to the mercy of marketers: Study After decades of deception, Black adults who smoke menthol cigarettes are often unaware of the deceitful ways tobacco companies market their products to them, according to a Rutgers study.
	Analysis of flour and rice shows high levels of harmful fungal toxins By analyzing samples of flour and rice stored in homes in Ribeirão Preto, in the interior of the state of São Paulo (Brazil), researchers from the University of São Paulo (USP) found the presence of high levels of fungal toxins (mycotoxins). The study is published in the journal Food Research International.
	International study compares rapid antigen tests and highlights poor performance in some A study by James Cook University researchers, and published in Talanta, has produced damning findings on several COVID-19 rapid antigen tests (RATs) available in Australia and overseas.
	When good bacteria go bad: New links between bacteremia and probiotic use Probiotics offer a range of health benefits, but their adverse effects can occasionally lead to bacteremia, wherein bacteria circulate in the bloodstream throughout the body. In Japan, Clostridium butyricum (C. butyricum) MIYAIRI 588 is commonly used, yet the prevalence and characteristics of bacteremia caused by this strain, as well as its bacteriological and genetic profile, remain unknown.
	Smoking during pregnancy may raise odds of overweight children New research has turned up another reason for women to avoid smoking during pregnancy. A recent study published in the journal Gut Microbes has found an association between mothers smoking during pregnancy and a higher risk of their children becoming overweight or obese.
	US maternal mortality returned to pre-pandemic level in 2022 The US maternal mortality rate in 2022 returned to the same level as two years prior, after a spike in 2021 amid the COVID-19 pandemic, health authorities announced Thursday.
	Mexico emerges as a destination for Americans seeking reproductive health services—not for the first time When its six-week abortion ban went into effect on May 1, 2024, Florida joined nearly two dozen other U.S. states that ban abortion or greatly restrict it.
	Researchers develop fluorescence-based sensor that measures oxygen content of breath Oxygen saturation in the blood that is either too low or too high can cause lasting physical harm or even death. This is why patients' oxygen concentrations are monitored continuously in both intensive care and trauma units. However, the pulse oximeters typically clipped onto a patient's fingertip for this purpose can be unreliable.
	Web platform and app aim to improve quality of life for people with Parkinson's disease Parkinson's disease is one of the most prevalent neurodegenerative conditions worldwide. It causes motor impairments such as tremors, slow movement, muscle stiffness, and balance problems. Memory can also worsen as the disease progresses. The individual course of the disease cannot be predicted, so experts recommend regular, close patient monitoring to allow for rapid responses to any changes in symptoms.
	Psychologist says our own enjoyment of nature can also benefit Earth itself Have you heard that getting out into nature can be good for your health?
	Most caregivers are ill-prepared for their own hospitalization Caring for a loved one with dementia can be incredibly challenging, especially for spouses who often take on the role of primary caregiver. When these caregivers themselves are hospitalized, they undergo stress and their caregiving role is disrupted. New research, recently published in The Gerontologist, aims to understand what it's like when the caregiver becomes the patient.
	More efficient ways to monitor patient vital signs developed in NHS hospitals Investigators have published the findings of a four-year study looking at how often hospital patients should have their vital signs monitored by staff.
	Adding AI to artificial pancreas enhances efficiency, study finds Adding advanced artificial intelligence to an artificial pancreas regulating type 1 diabetes is safe and improves the system's efficiency, a first-of-its-kind study from the University of Virginia Center for Diabetes Technology has found.
	Study finds metformin reduces COVID-19 viral load, viral rebound A team of University of Minnesota researchers found that metformin, a drug commonly used to treat diabetes, can decrease the amount of COVID-19 virus in the body and lower the chances of the virus coming back strongly after initial treatment. The study was published in Clinical Infectious Diseases.
	Study elucidates how energy metabolism is regulated at cellular level An article published in The FASEB Journal describes a Brazilian study analyzing the correlation between two key energy metabolism regulation processes: the absorption and release of calcium ions by mitochondria, the organelles that generate energy for cells; and autophagy induced by calorie restriction. Autophagy occurs when cells break down and reuse their own cytoplasm.
	Research shows how low intensity light applied to brain-gut axis can fight the effects of chronic stress Some neurological disorders can be improved through photobiomodulation, a non-invasive technique based on the application of low-intensity light to stimulate altered functions in specific regions of the body.
	Money on their minds: Health-related costs top older adults' concerns for people their age, poll finds From medical and dental care to medications, insurance and nursing homes, health-related costs weigh heavily on the minds of older Americans of all backgrounds, a new poll suggests.
	Will the movement to legalize psychedelics succeed? Interest in psychedelics like psilocybin, mescaline, and LSD is on the rise for the first time in 50 years, as influencers, scientists, and entrepreneurs promote their therapeutic potential. Some municipalities have stopped enforcing criminal bans on their possession, and at least one state has legalized medicinal use of certain psychoactive substances.
	Dietary changes may help treat pulmonary hypertension Blood vessels in the lungs aren't like the others in the body. This difference becomes clear in pulmonary hypertension, in which only the lungs' blood vessels stiffen progressively, leading to chronic lung disease, heart failure and death.
	Weight-loss surgery before kidney transplantation has benefits, study shows Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy promotes relatively rapid weight loss, reduces obesity-related health issues and improves eligibility for kidney transplantation for patients with advanced chronic kidney disease and obesity, according to new research from Mayo Clinic.
	Clinical trial shows liver patients see benefits after going meatless for one meal Just one meal without meat can lower levels of harmful ammonia in people with advanced liver disease, researchers from Virginia Commonwealth University's School of Medicine and Richmond VA Medical Center report.
	Fatigue, weakness and pelvic pain: Vascular problems are different for women Feeling more tired than usual? Experiencing pelvic pain? It could be a problem with your arteries and veins.
	Non-white pedestrians more often end up in the ER for vehicle-related injuries, report shows Pedestrians who are not white ended up in the emergency room for traffic-related injuries at higher rates than white people, according to a new federal report published Thursday.
	American adults polled express increasing anxiousness—stress, sleep key factors impacting mental health The 2024 results of the American Psychiatric Association's annual mental health poll show that U.S. adults are feeling increasingly anxious. In 2024, 43% of adults say they feel more anxious than they did the previous year, up from 37% in 2023 and 32% in 2022. Adults are particularly anxious about current events (70%)—especially the economy (77%), the 2024 U.S. election (73%), and gun violence (69%).
	Children and adolescents enjoy learning new words, study finds New research led by academics at Royal Holloway, University of London, published in Developmental Science, suggests that children and adolescents remain excited by learning new words, all the way until adulthood.
	Should you be worried about bird flu in your milk? Food safety expert explains the dangers of consuming raw dairy Texas health officials last month confirmed a case of bird flu in a person. Now, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration reported that it has found evidence of the virus in commercially sold milk.
	Banking behavior could be used to detect early Alzheimer's, finds new research Alzheimer's Disease can be detected years in advance of a clinical diagnosis by monitoring how people manage their finances, according to new research.
	Inherited traits can be overstated, study shows Behavioral similarities between parents and their offspring are less marked than is often suggested, a new study shows.
	No need to change the diagnostic criteria for gestational diabetes in Finland, says study Gestational diabetes is one of the most common pregnancy-related disorders, affecting approximately one-fifth of mothers giving birth in Finland, in total about 9,000 women annually. The most significant consequence of gestational diabetes is fetal macrosomia, or excessive fetal growth, which increases the risk of birth-related complications.
	Molecular testing: Pioneering precision medicine for colorectal cancer A new perspective paper explores the current state and future directions of precision medicine in colorectal cancer (CRC). It outlines advancements in molecular testing and their implications for targeted and immunological therapies in CRC. This research is significant because it suggests pathways to more personalized treatment, potentially leading to higher survival rates and an improved quality of life for CRC patients.
	Severe complication from lung transplantation has been underestimated, researchers find PLS (passenger lymphocyte syndrome) is a potentially life-threatening risk in lung transplants that has hardly been researched and is often underestimated in clinical practice. However, the complication occurs more frequently than previously thought, as shown by a recent study at the Department of Transfusion Medicine and Cell Therapy in collaboration with the Department of Thoracic Surgery at MedUni Vienna and University Hospital Vienna.
	Surgeons perform first-ever dual robotic surgery on patient with lymphedema after breast surgery UZ Brussel is the first hospital worldwide to perform dual-robot assisted lymphedema surgery. The main advantage of this approach is that it is much less invasive for the patient, resulting in less pain and less time spent in hospital. Moreover, robot-assisted surgery is significantly more accurate than conventional surgery.
	At least 9 dead, dozens treated in Texas capital after unusual spike in overdoses Authorities in Texas are investigating at least nine deaths this week in connection with an unusual spike of opioid overdoses in Austin that health officials are calling the city's worst overdose outbreak in nearly a decade.
	Toxic gas adds to a long history of pollution in southwest Memphis For many years, Rose Sims had no idea what was going on inside a nondescript brick building on Florida Street a couple of miles from her modest one-story home on the southwestern side of town.
	Company will pay $6.5 billion to settle talc ovarian cancer lawsuits Johnson & Johnson announced Wednesday that it would pay out more than $6.5 billion over the next 25 years to settle existing lawsuits claiming that its talc-containing products caused ovarian cancer.
	Public health heavily influenced by corporations selling forever chemicals, fossil fuels and ultra-processed foods You go to the gym, eat healthy and walk as much as possible. You wash your hands and get vaccinated. You control your health. This is a common story we tell ourselves. Unfortunately, it's not quite true.
	Here's how you can talk to your kids about gendered violence, and seven ways to model good behavior Children and young people may be seeing news headlines about men murdering women or footage of people rallying to call for action. Perhaps they or their friends have even gone to the protests.
	EPA earmarks $3 billion to replace lead pipes nationwide The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said it will spend $3 billion to help states and territories identify and replace lead water pipes.
	Swedish mountain rescue should work more with drowning and other risks, reveals study A new study titled "A retrospective analysis of mission reports in the national Swedish Police Registry on mountain rescue 2018–2022: here be snowmobiles," published in the Scandinavian Journal of Trauma, Resuscitation and Emergency Medicine, analyzes Swedish Police mountain rescue data and describes all known mountain rescue missions during the past five years—a total of 1,543 mountain rescue operations.
	What you should know about bird flu—an infectious disease physician explains In light of the United States Food and Drug Administration's announcement that bird flu has been discovered in cow's milk, board-certified infectious disease physician Carl Abraham, M.D., assistant professor at New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine (NYITCOM), shares insights on what the general public should know.
	Decline in cigarettes smoked per day in England is stalling A decade-long decline in the number of cigarettes a smoker has per day has stalled, with some people actually smoking more, according to a new study by UCL researchers.

Other Sciences news

	Investigation reveals varied impact of preschool programs on long-term school success Early education programs are widely believed to be effective public investments for helping children succeed in school and for reducing income- and race-based achievement gaps. However, a new study conducted by a team of investigators from Teachers College, Columbia University, University of Virginia, University of California-Irvine, and the University of Delaware finds mixed evidence on the long-term effectiveness of today's preschool programs for helping children succeed in school.
	Historical data suggest hard knocks to human societies build long-term resilience Frequent disturbances to human societies boost the ability of populations to resist and recover from subsequent downturns, a Nature paper indicates. The study, which analyzes 30,000 years of human history, has implications for future population growth and resilience and for contemporary resilience-building initiatives.
	Targeting friends to induce social contagion can benefit the world, says new research A new study co-authored by Yale sociologist Nicholas A. Christakis demonstrates that tapping into the dynamics of friendship significantly improves the possibility that a community will adopt public health and other interventions aimed at improved human well-being.
	Recreating the face of a 75,000-year-old female from a cave where Neanderthals buried their dead A new Netflix documentary has recreated the face of a 75,000-year-old female Neanderthal whose flattened skull was discovered and rebuilt from hundreds of bone fragments by a team of archaeologists and conservators led by the University of Cambridge.
	You've been 'volun-told' to coach junior sport—here's how to best handle the parents involved With winter sports swinging into action, adults around the country have volunteered or been volunteered by others (humorously known as being "volun-told") to coach junior sports teams.
	Traditional corporate leadership structures are failing women in the C-suite, researchers say A growing number of women's groups, regulators and corporate performance governance experts are raising flags after the release of a recent S&P Global report signaling an "alarming turning point" for women's leadership parity in American companies.
	For the ancient Maya, cracked mirrors were a path to the world beyond Some people fear that breaking a mirror can lead to seven years of misfortune. The history of this superstition may go back to the ancient Greeks and Romans, who ascribed mysterious powers to reflected images.
	Millions of young people will head to the polls over the next year—but many are disillusioned about mainstream politics A record number of people will go to polls in 2024 to vote in national elections around the world. People who came of age during the last electoral cycle will have an opportunity to cast their votes for the first time.
	The people who are most active on social media are also the most active offline, shows study Parents often worry about the use of social media among children and young people. Caring about this is a good thing, and there are several reasons why you should pay attention, but there is one thing that parents needn't worry about: young people spending time on social media does not impair their interaction with friends offline, according to a new study published in Computers in Human Behavior.
	When scientists and K-12 teachers team up, the results can be spectacular or lackluster The results of an in-depth review of published research on scientists conducting K-12 science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) outreach suggest that increased collaboration with K-12 educators could improve such projects.
	Scent sells—but the right picture titillates both eyes and nose, research finds Scented products with relevant images on their packaging and branding, such as flowers or fruit, are more attractive to potential customers and score better in produce evaluations, new research confirms.
	The ecology of industrial renewal Industry faces many problems in the current economic, sociopolitical, and environmental context. The idea of industrial renewal has thus come to the fore as an approach that might allow us to address those different challenges sitting with the new approach to understanding, known as service ecosystems.
	Q&A: Researcher finds immigration doesn't threaten welfare states It is often thought that immigration threatens the solidarity on which redistribution relies. But looking at the post-war period, Ph.D. candidate Emily Anne Wolff finds that this is not the case.
	Aggressive? Homophobic? Stoic? Here's what thousands of Australian men told us about modern masculinity Most young adult men in Australia reject traditional ideas of masculinity that endorse aggression, stoicism and homophobia. Nonetheless, the ongoing influence of those ideas continues to harm men and the people around them. These are some of the findings of a new survey of men in Australia.
	May Day 2024: Workers on a warming planet deserve stronger labor protections Imagine working during a heat wave, standing over a boiling hot stove in a busy restaurant with no air conditioning, limited ventilation and no access to a break until you've worked five consecutive hours.
	Cyberflashing is now a criminal offense—but the normalization of this behavior among young people needs to change In March 2024, a 39-year-old man became the first person in England and Wales to be convicted of the new offense of cyberflashing, part of the Online Safety Act. He had sent unsolicited photos of his genitals to a 15-year-old girl and a woman.

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