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Science News for August 11, 2023


Mosquito hearing could be targeted by insecticides

A new study reveals that mosquitoes use a specific receptor in their ears to modulate their hearing, which is crucial for reproduction and mating. This discovery could lead to the development of novel insecticides or mating disruptors to control mosquito populations and reduce human disease.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateAug 11, 2023

Hidden moles in hidden holes

Scientists have identified two new mole species in eastern Turkey, belonging to the Talpa genus, which has been living undiscovered for up to 3 million years. The study, using cutting-edge DNA technology, confirms their biological distinctness from other moles in the group.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalZoological Journal of the Linnean Society·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 11, 2023

Behind the rind: new genomic insights into watermelon evolution, quality, and resilience

Scientists at the Boyce Thompson Institute have constructed a comprehensive 'super-pangenome' for watermelon and its wild relatives, uncovering beneficial genes lost during domestication. This genetic toolkit can be used to develop varieties with enhanced yield, increased disease resistance, and improved adaptability.

SourceBoyce Thompson Institute·JournalPlant Biotechnology Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 11, 2023

CORRECTION: Outdoor air pollution may increase non-lung cancer risk in older adults

A Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health study found that chronic exposure to fine particulate air pollutants (PM2.5) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) increases the risk of colorectal and prostate cancers in older adults. NO2 exposure was also associated with an increased risk of breast cancer, while PM2.5 exposure had mixed results.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalEnvironmental Epidemiology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 11, 2023

More than 2 million additional Americans faced food insufficiency following drawdown of pandemic-related SNAP benefits, Penn Medicine study finds

A new study by Penn Medicine found that the discontinuation of pandemic-related SNAP benefits led to a significant increase in food insufficiency in the US. The study found that households affected by the benefit cuts experienced a 21% relative increase in both food insufficiency and food insufficiency among children, affecting over 2 ...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateAug 11, 2023

Football participation and Parkinson disease among men

Research suggests football participation is associated with a higher odds of developing parkinsonism or Parkinson's disease. Longer football play duration and intensity are linked to an increased risk of diagnosis, highlighting the potential health risks for athletes involved in contact sports.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateAug 11, 2023

Malaria vaccine candidate appears safe and produces promising immune response in a cohort of Tanzanian infants

A new malaria vaccine candidate has shown promising results in a cohort of Tanzanian infants, with substantial anti-RH5 immune responses achieved safely through vaccination. The vaccine targets the RH5 protein used by the malaria pathogen to invade red blood cells, providing a second line of defense against disease.

SourceCell Press·JournalMed·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 11, 2023

SLU ethicists, leading scholars publish guidance for parents, physicians making medical decisions for children

A group of leading scholars in pediatric ethics have published six recommendations for guiding parents and clinicians in medical decision-making for children. The recommendations aim to provide a unified set of principles that will be more accessible and applicable for clinicians, parents, and legal guardians.

SourceSaint Louis University·JournalPEDIATRICS·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateAug 11, 2023

De-code of the crop

A research group at Kyoto University has successfully developed a self-fertile buckwheat variety and a new type of the crop with a sticky texture. This breakthrough could contribute to the efficient breeding of less-common orphan crops, addressing the world's growing food demands.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Plants·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 11, 2023

Chemicals from maize roots influence wheat yield

Researchers from the University of Bern found that maize roots secrete chemicals that improve soil quality and increase wheat yields. The study demonstrates potential for using specialized plant compounds to enhance crop productivity through variety-specific rotations.

SourceUniversity of Bern·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 11, 2023

Ultrafast lasers for materials processing

A new type of ultrafast laser technology is being developed to create high-precision microstructures, such as those needed for smartphone displays. The project aims to make the technology cheaper and more efficient, with potential applications in glass processing, polymer ablating, and future laser surgery.

Arctic monitoring program plays vital role in global pollution reduction efforts

The Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme (AMAP) has played a vital role in recognizing and mitigating environmental pollution and climate change in the Arctic. Its efforts have led to significant reductions in pollutants in the Arctic and influenced global agreements, inspiring similar initiatives in other regions.

SourceChinese Society for Environmental Sciences·JournalEnvironmental Science and Ecotechnology·DateAug 11, 2023

Direct evidence for modified gravity at low acceleration from Gaia observations of wide binary stars

A new study by Kyu-Hyun Chae found conclusive evidence for the breakdown of standard gravity in low acceleration limit using up to 26,500 wide binaries observed by Gaia. The results show a boost factor of 30-40% higher than Newton-Einstein prediction, meeting conventional criteria of 5 sigma significance.

SourceSejong University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 11, 2023

Researchers “film” novel catalyst at work

Researchers have developed a novel catalysis scheme that enables previously impossible chemical reactions without the use of rare and precious metals. The method uses light to activate the catalyst, allowing for the optimization of the process.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalAngewandte Chemie·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 11, 2023

Study: Infant formula safety checks can be improved with stratified sampling

A new study from the University of Illinois finds that stratified sampling is more effective at catching contaminants in infant formula than random sampling. The researchers used computer models to simulate testing finished formula and suggest ways to improve safety plans.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Food Protection·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 11, 2023

A roadmap to help AI technologies speak African languages

Researchers in Africa have developed a roadmap to create better AI-driven tools for African languages, addressing the limited availability of language data. The study identifies key players and themes to consider in designing effective language tools, including writers, linguists, software engineers, and entrepreneurs.

SourceCell Press·JournalPatterns·TypeSurvey·DateAug 11, 2023

Could artificially dimming the sun prevent ice melt?

A new study investigates whether artificially dimming the sun could prevent the melting of West Antarctic ice sheets. The results show that artificial influence does not work without decarbonization and entails high risks, highlighting the importance of rapid climate mitigation measures.

SourceUniversity of Bern·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 11, 2023