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Science News for December 22, 2023


Scientists develop ‘flying dragon’ robot to fight fires from a distance

A Japanese research team developed a four-meter-long, remotely controllable flying firehose robot called the Dragon Firefighter. It can safely and efficiently extinguish fires by directly approaching flames. The robot will be deployed in real-world firefighting scenarios after approximately 10 more years of development.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Robotics and AI·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 22, 2023

Stinky, bitter, and painful: A novel insect repellent attacks multiple sensory pathways

Researchers have identified a novel insect repellent, 2-methylthiazoline (2MT), which induces robust aversive responses through multiple sensory pathways in fruit flies. The compound stimulates both olfactory and nociceptive pathways, leading to avoidance behaviors and effective repulsion from fly pests.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalFrontiers in Molecular Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 22, 2023

Signed orders sent via mail nearly doubled liver cancer screening rates

A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that mailing signed orders to patients with cirrhosis led to a significant increase in liver cancer screenings. The study involved over 500 patients and showed that 55% completed their screening within six months, compared to just 27% in the control group.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalHepatology Communications·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 22, 2023

Reindeer sleep while chewing their cud

Researchers found that reindeer spend more time ruminating and less time in non-REM sleep, suggesting a possible restorative function of rumination. The study suggests that reindeer may be able to save time by resting during rumination, allowing them to cope with limited sleep time during the arctic summer.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 22, 2023

Texas A&M team develops polymers that can kill bacteria

A Texas A&M University-led collaboration has developed new polymers capable of killing bacteria without inducing antibiotic resistance by disrupting their membrane. The researchers tested their polymers against two main types of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, including E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), with promising results.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 22, 2023

Big impacts from small changes in cell

Researchers at Göttingen and Warwick Universities studied the structure and mechanics of cytoskeletal networks composed of actin isoforms. The study found that gamma actin forms rigid networks near the cell apex, while beta actin preferentially forms parallel bundles with distinct organizational patterns.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 22, 2023

Fewer hospital admissions when people are fitter

A study by the University of Gothenburg found that maintaining aerobic fitness is linked to a 7-14% lower risk of hospitalizations for any reason. Increased fitness also reduces hospital admissions due to cardiovascular disease. The findings suggest potential benefits for individual health and healthcare costs.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·DateDec 22, 2023

Evolution of tuberculosis – in new light

Recent studies published in the Tuberculosis journal reveal the earliest confirmed presence of tuberculosis' causative agents in human remains, pushing the timeline back by tens of thousands of years. Researchers have also discovered evidence of TB infection in Neanderthal specimens from Hungary, dating back over 32,000 years.

SourceEötvös Loránd University·JournalTuberculosis·DateDec 22, 2023

Like kids in a candy store

Researchers at Kyoto University analyzed queries on Yahoo! Chiebukuro and found that users were seeking information on overdosing from OTCs to alleviate physical pain or experience psychosomatic changes. The study highlights the need for reliable information on OTC abuse to be effectively disseminated.

SourceKyoto University·JournalJMIR Formative Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 22, 2023