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Science News for December 15, 2023


Microbiome insights found in poop help predict infections in liver transplant patients

Researchers at University of Chicago Medical Center discovered a correlation between gut microbiome composition and postoperative infections in liver transplant patients. The study found that metabolites in fecal samples could predict infection risk with high accuracy, providing a potential diagnostic tool.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeObservational study·DateDec 15, 2023

From PIC to probe

A team of researchers at Ghent University and imec developed a silicon photonic temperature sensor that measures up to 180°C. The sensor was realized in the framework of the European SEER project, where partners focus on integrating optical sensors in manufacturing routines for composite parts.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Optical Microsystems·DateDec 15, 2023

Navigating climate challenges: UVA engineers and environmental scientists aid Virginia’s eastern shore

A team of UVA civil and environmental engineers and environmental scientists have developed a web-based decision-support tool, called the Climate Equity Atlas, to help residents deal with the challenges caused by climate change. The tool combines historical environmental data and socioeconomic data to create a sophisticated predictive ...

Revolutionizing forestry: 'CountShoots' unveils advanced UAV and AI techniques for precise slash pine shoot counting

A new study introduces the Slash Pine Shoot Counting Network (SPSC-net) using a feature pyramid module for accurate new shoot detection in slash pines. SPSC-net outperforms other models like YOLOX and Efficientnet, achieving the lowest MSE and MAE in density regression.

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalPlant Phenomics·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2023

Parents underestimate the importance of guided play in education, finds US study

A recent US study found that parents overestimate the value of free play in children's learning, while undervaluing guided play. Guided play is more effective for teaching skills like mathematics, language, and STEM subjects. By educating parents on this approach, they can create engaging 'learning' moments during everyday activities.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Developmental Psychology·TypeSurvey·DateDec 15, 2023

Study shows exposure to household chemicals can lower odds of getting pregnant

A study published in Environmental Health Perspectives found that exposure to phthalates can lower the odds of getting pregnant, but not lead to pregnancy loss. The researchers also discovered associations between preconception phthalate exposure and changes in women's reproductive hormones, inflammation, and oxidative stress.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 15, 2023

Novel therapeutic target overcomes resistance to radiation therapy

Researchers discovered a novel therapeutic target BAMBI that suppresses immune cells, reducing the effectiveness of radiation therapy and inducing therapy resistance in cancer patients. BAMBI's expression is associated with improved survival rates, suggesting it as a promising approach to overcome radiation therapy resistance.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2023

Revolutionary seaweed and carbonated water based hydrogel for treating skin wounds

Researchers from Tokyo University of Science developed a novel, low-cost hydrogel using seaweed extract that prevents wound expansion and promotes healing. The hydrogel demonstrates significantly lower adhesion and swelling compared to conventional hydrogels, making it an excellent alternative for treating skin wounds.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalInternational Journal of Biological Macromolecules·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2023

A mathematical framework for evo-devo dynamics

A mathematical framework for evo-devo dynamics integrates age progression, explicit development, and evolutionary dynamics to describe the evolution of developmental phenotypes. The framework recovers evolutionary dynamic equations in gradient form, showing that genotypic and phenotypic evolution must be followed simultaneously.

SourceUniversity of St. Andrews·JournalTheoretical Population Biology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 15, 2023

UMSOM researchers discover first ever link between hemoglobin-like protein and normal heart development

Researchers found that cytoglobin, a protein similar to hemoglobin, plays a vital role in the correct left-right pattern of the heart and other asymmetric organs. The study's findings could lead to new therapeutic interventions for rare birth defects affecting cilia function.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2023

Prone to abandoning New Year’s resolutions? Bayes’ research suggests blaming money worries rather than being time-poor

Research by Dr Janina Steinmetz found that people are more likely to see others as having good self-control if they blame a lack of money rather than time for abandoning New Year's resolutions. Studies involving around 1,200 participants showed that excusing financial constraints leads to better perceptions of self-control.

SourceCity St George’s, University of London·JournalEuropean Journal of Social Psychology·TypeSurvey·DateDec 15, 2023

Coevolution helps Santa's reindeer feast after flight

Researchers discovered that reindeer's vision evolved to spot Cladonia rangiferina, a type of lichen, during winter. This adaptation allows them to conserve energy by finding food from a distance, making it easier to survive in cold environments. The study provides new insights into the extraordinary visual system of reindeer.

SourceDartmouth College·Journali-Perception·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2023

Trip or treat?

Scientists at Medical College of Wisconsin create biased agonists that reduce hallucinogenic effects while preserving therapeutic potential. These compounds, designed to selectively activate serotonin receptors, show promise in treating depression and other mental health conditions.

SourceMedical College of Wisconsin·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2023

Rembrandt broke new ground with lead-based impregnation of canvas for The Night Watch

Researchers discovered a previously unknown layer of dispersed lead in the ground layer of Rembrandt's The Night Watch, using advanced analytical techniques. This finding sheds light on the artist's inventive approach to painting and highlights his efforts to improve the durability of his masterpieces.

SourceUniversiteit van Amsterdam·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 15, 2023

IU researchers fill the final gaps in the Arabidopsis genome sequence and gain insights into gene regulatory mechanisms relevant to humans

Researchers at Indiana University have completed the final gaps in the Arabidopsis genome sequence, revealing how ribosomal RNA genes are organized and regulated. The study found that one NOR is nearly completely silenced in growing plants, while the other accounts for almost all ribosomal RNA gene activity in its central region.

SourceIndiana University·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 15, 2023

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals found in menstrual products including tampons, pads, and liners

A study by George Mason University researchers found endocrine-disrupting chemicals in menstrual products, including phthalates and parabens. The review of 15 papers revealed a lack of research on newer products like menstrual cups and discs, highlighting the need for further investigation into their potential health impacts.

SourceGeorge Mason University·JournalBJOG An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology·TypeSystematic review·DateDec 15, 2023

Childhood sedentariness causes elevated cholesterol but light physical activity may neutralize it

A new study found that increased childhood sedentary time significantly increases cholesterol levels in young adulthood. However, light physical activity (LPA) has been shown to completely reverse this effect, while moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) may also reduce cholesterol levels but with diminished impact due to body f...

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·TypeObservational study·DateDec 15, 2023

Pollinators make a big impact on edamame marketability

A recent UMD study reveals that cross-pollination significantly improves the quality and quantity of soybean pods, with open-pollinated flowers producing more grade-A beans. The research also suggests that a greater biodiversity near fields can lead to increased yields by attracting beneficial pollinators.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalJournal of Pollination Ecology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2023

Online food shopping exploded during the COVID-19 pandemic. Can it catch on with bodegas?

The study found that bodega owners and customers face challenges such as high prices for fresh produce, lack of digital literacy, and mistrust of online ordering. Despite these obstacles, researchers believe that implementing online grocery shopping in bodegas can greatly benefit communities by increasing access to healthy food options.

SourceNew York University·JournalJournal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics·TypeSurvey·DateDec 15, 2023

Acid sensor and calcium store discovered in plants

Researchers have identified a previously unknown endogenous acid sensor in plant cells that responds to changes in pH levels. The acid sensor triggers the release of calcium ions from an endoplasmic reticulum, which activates cellular responses to external stimuli such as infections or drought.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2023

US adults eat a meal’s worth of calories of snacks in a day

A new study suggests that US adults consume almost a quarter of their daily calories in snacks, often more than they do at breakfast, yet these snacks offer little nutritional value. Researchers analyzed data from over 20,000 people and found that snacks accounted for between 19.5% to 22.4% of total energy intake.

SourceOhio State University·JournalPLOS Global Public Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 15, 2023

Third Pole environment researchers study the risk of glacial lake Outbursts in the Third Pole

A study published in Nature Communications reveals the Third Pole is vulnerable to glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) due to climate change, with 1,499 lakes at high risk. The research estimates that 190,000 lives are directly exposed to GLOF paths and $55 billion worth of infrastructure is threatened.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 15, 2023