Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for December 4, 2023


Powerful financial giants could play vital role in preventing the next pandemic

A new study identifies public and private companies operating in economic sectors associated with increased risks of emerging infectious diseases. Financial actors can mitigate these risks through investments that promote ecological restoration, pathogen surveillance systems, and community health care.

SourceStockholm Resilience Centre·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 4, 2023

Tracking undetectable space junk

Researchers propose a new method to track small pieces of space debris by detecting electric signals emitted when they collide. This approach could help protect satellites and spacecraft from damage, as tiny pieces of debris can cause significant harm at high orbital speeds.

CNIC and the i+12 Institute participate in the most ambitious EU project to reduce the burden of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes

The Joint Action on Cardiovascular Diseases and Diabetes (JACARDI) aims to reduce the burden of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes in EU member states through 143 pilot projects. The project will test and offer solutions throughout the patient journey, focusing on prevention, early detection, treatment, care, and self-management.

Recycling concrete using carbon can reduce emissions and waste

Researchers at Flinders University have developed a method to upcycle old broken concrete using graphene, producing strong and durable concrete. The approach is gaining traction as new graphene deposits are discovered and mined, bringing down costs and improving the environmental footprint of concrete production.

SourceFlinders University·JournalResources Conservation and Recycling·TypeObservational study·DateDec 4, 2023

Leukemia cells activate cellular recycling program

A recent study by Goethe University Frankfurt has identified a mechanism that could be a suitable starting point for developing novel drugs against leukemia cells. The researchers discovered that the mutated NPM1 gene variant drives pro-autophagic activity, enabling cancer cells to recycle their structures and meet their needs.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 4, 2023

Digital marketplace: The role of probabilistic selling strategies in the travel industry

A novel strategy, probabilistic selling, has proven effective in driving revenue, attracting new users, and managing inventory efficiently in the travel industry. The study finds that this approach enhances market demand and boosts consumer satisfaction, benefiting both the platform and sellers.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalJournal of Economy and Technology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 4, 2023

Tiny electromagnets made of ultra-thin carbon

Researchers at Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf have developed tiny electromagnets made of ultra-thin carbon, graphene, using terahertz pulses. The graphene discs briefly turned into strong magnets, with magnetic fields in the range of 0.5 Tesla, and showed promise for developing future magnetic switches and storage devices.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 4, 2023

Longer training sessions less likely to cause injury to military recruits

A new study by Edith Cowan University found that military recruits who undergo longer training programs are less likely to suffer injuries compared to those with shorter training periods. The research also showed that female recruits and those with a high body mass index (BMI) were at higher risk of injury.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalBMC Sports Science Medicine and Rehabilitation·TypeSystematic review·DateDec 4, 2023

Mortality and morbidity among individuals with hypertension receiving a diuretic, ace inhibitor, or calcium channel blocker

A secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial found that cardiovascular disease mortality was similar among individuals with hypertension receiving diuretics, calcium channel blockers, or ACE inhibitors. However, ACE inhibitors were associated with an increased risk of stroke outcomes by 11% compared to diuretics.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateDec 4, 2023

Rice engineers tackle hard-to-map class of materials

Researchers have developed a new technique to understand the relationship between atomic structure and electric polarization in 2D van der Waals ferroelectric materials. This discovery is expected to revolutionize domain engineering in these materials, positioning them as fundamental building blocks for advanced devices.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 4, 2023

American Eel as an emerging consumer target

Imports of American eel fry for aquaculture in East Asia have reached an all-time high, threatening the already endangered species. The surge is driven by Japan's demand for two-thirds of its eel consumption, with the US and Haiti being major exporters.

SourceChuo University·JournalMarine Policy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 4, 2023

Placing nanoparticles in the palm of your hand

Professor Anne Bentley has developed innovative 3D-printed models to visualize nanoparticles, allowing students to grasp the material's special properties. Her research focuses on low-index shapes, which have catalytic properties and can convert carbon dioxide into fuel materials.

SourceLewis & Clark College·JournalJournal of Chemical Education·TypeLiterature review·DateDec 4, 2023

In hotter regions, mammals seek forests, avoid human habitats

A study by the University of California, Davis, found that North American mammals consistently depend on forests and avoid cities, farms, and other human-dominated areas in hotter climes. This suggests that preserving forest cover will be increasingly important for wildlife conservation as the climate warms.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 4, 2023

New wearable communication system offers potential to reduce digital health divide

Researchers at the University of Arizona developed a low-power wide area network (LPWAN) system that enables wearables to transmit health data long distances without cell coverage. The system, called biosymbiotic, has the potential to improve remote monitoring in underserved communities and make digital medicine more accessible

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 4, 2023

Drug-resistant tuberculosis may be under-diagnosed, says genomic analysis in southern Mozambique

A genomic analysis in southern Mozambique found that new molecular tests are needed to detect a wider range of mutations conferring resistance to first-line TB drugs. The study identified high numbers of isoniazid-resistant cases, which were also missed by the Xpert/Ultra test.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 4, 2023

Wildfires have erased two decades’ worth of air quality gains in western United States

A new study reveals that wildfires have worsened air quality in the western US, mainly due to increased frequency and ferocity of fires, resulting in a significant increase in premature deaths. The study found black carbon concentrations rose 55% annually in fire-prone areas, contributing to a decline in air quality.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 4, 2023

Boiled bubbles jump to carry more heat

A team of researchers, led by Jonathan Boreyko, has engineered a surface that makes bubbles jump, carrying more heat and improving the efficiency of water-based cooling operations. The jumping bubbles are able to carry energy away from a heated surface more effectively than traditional boiling methods.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateDec 4, 2023

Hard to drug: Protein droplets reveal new ways to inhibit transcription factors in an aggressive form of prostate cancer

Researchers have discovered a new approach to targeting transcription factors in prostate cancer by exploiting the formation of protein droplets. This process can be used to inhibit androgen receptor activity, which is essential for the growth and survival of cancer cells.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateDec 4, 2023

New implants linked to less infection and better recovery from orthopedic surgery

A new implant coating made of Silver-Gallium nano-amalgamated particles has shown potent antimicrobial properties against various bacterial strains in animal models. The technology, patented and developed by Flinders University researchers, could be easily applied to medical devices to protect them against infection.

SourceFlinders University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 4, 2023

New rule for emergency departments to safely reduce use of CTs after falls in older patients

A new decision rule has been developed to identify patients who can safely forgo a head CT scan after falling, reducing unnecessary imaging and costs. The Falls Decision Rule can be applied to all older adults who have fallen, regardless of sustaining a head injury or recalling the fall.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeObservational study·DateDec 4, 2023

Recent advances in the built-in electric-field-assisted photocatalytic dry reforming of methane

Recent advances in built-in electric-field-assisted photocatalytic dry reforming of methane focus on enhancing charge transfer dynamics and reducing greenhouse gases. The review article introduces fundamental reaction mechanisms, advantages, and potential photocatalytic materials for dry reforming application.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalChinese Journal of Catalysis·DateDec 4, 2023

Infants are not startled by visual illusions

A recent study reveals that infants aged six months and older can perceive misbinding, a type of visual illusion where features are mistakenly integrated. In contrast, infants under six months do not exhibit this phenomenon, indicating they may perceive the external world more accurately than adults.

SourceChuo University·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateDec 4, 2023

Researchers decode aqueous amino acid’s potential for direct air capture of CO2

Scientists have made a significant stride toward understanding a viable process for direct air capture of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The study focused on aqueous glycine, an amino acid known for its absorbent qualities, and discovered that focusing solely on free energy barrier is an oversimplification that can lead to inaccur...

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 4, 2023

Fossil CO2 emissions at record high in 2023

Fossil CO2 emissions from global carbon budgets have reached a record high in 2023, with global warming exceeding 1.5°C target becoming increasingly likely within seven years. The study projects that total global CO2 emissions will be 40.9 billion tonnes, far from the reductions needed to meet climate targets.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalEarth System Science Data·DateDec 4, 2023

Pharmacy forecast identifies growing societal challenges expected to impact care

The ASHP/ASHP Foundation Pharmacy Forecast Report identifies growing societal challenges that will alter healthcare delivery, including the impact of ultra-high-cost drugs on service lines. Pharmacists' engagement is crucial to ensuring safe care for all patients, particularly in addressing mental health and substance use disorders.

SourceASHP (American Society of Health-System Pharmacists)·JournalAmerican Journal of Health-System Pharmacy·TypeSurvey·DateDec 4, 2023

Interpreting the afterglow of a black hole’s breakfast

A team of astronomers has found that active black holes shine in microwave and X-ray light in the same way, regardless of their appetite, suggesting a new understanding of how these cosmic monsters consume matter. This discovery could provide a new method for estimating black hole masses, essential for understanding galaxy evolution.

SourceCardiff University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society Letters·TypeObservational study·DateDec 4, 2023

Wind of (climate) change

Researchers discovered that rising temperatures trigger katabatic winds in Himalayan glaciers, cooling the air and preserving surrounding ecosystems. The team used climate models to demonstrate this phenomenon across the Himalayan range, suggesting that some glaciers may have a chance to 'save' themselves by reacting to global warming.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeObservational study·DateDec 4, 2023

Learning from Nature: How a fungus makes a hard job easier

Researchers discovered the PanH enzyme, which catalyzes the selective epoxidation of cyclohexenones, a challenging reaction to achieve through chemical synthesis. The study shows that this enzyme can produce a large library of substances with improved and more specific activities in biomedical research.

How mountains affect El Niño-induced winter precipitation

A new study reveals that mountains amplify and obstruct winter precipitation during El Niño events, with increased rainfall on the western side of mountains. This analysis enables more accurate water predictions for the Colorado River in western North America, helping cities, farmers, and water managers prepare for droughts.

SourceOhio State University·JournalNature Water·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 4, 2023

Decades after blood pressure-related pregnancy complications, Hispanic/Latina women can have changes in heart structure and function

A National Institutes of Health-supported study found that Hispanic/Latina women with a history of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are more likely to have abnormalities in their heart structure and function decades later. The study suggests that having high blood pressure later in life contributes less to these changes than the his...

Dietary environmental factors shape the immune defense against Cryptosporidium infection

Researchers discovered that dietary indoles, such as those found in broccoli, can activate the immune system to fight off Cryptosporidium infection. This protection was seen in mice, including those with weakened immune systems and newborns, suggesting a potential way to prevent recurring infections in children.

SourceThe Francis Crick Institute·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 4, 2023

About 20% of patients listed as alive in their electronic health records were actually deceased according to California data

A study by UCLA researchers found that nearly 20% of patients with serious illnesses listed as alive in their medical records were actually deceased according to California data. This discrepancy led to hundreds of wasteful follow-up outreach efforts, straining resources and healthcare workers' time.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 4, 2023

Unveiling a new era of imaging: Boston University engineers lead breakthrough microscopy techniques

Researchers create new methods to visualize and understand samples with increased accuracy and sensitivity. The development of photothermal microscopy, also known as VIP microscopy, enables scientists to probe specific chemical bonds in a specimen, allowing them to map molecules at low concentrations without dye labeling.

SourceBoston University·JournalNature Communications·TypeImaging analysis·DateDec 4, 2023

Applications open for School of Advanced Science on Transdisciplinarity for Transformative Change

The São Paulo School of Advanced Science on Transdisciplinarity for Transformative Change is a training opportunity for graduate students and researchers to co-produce knowledge for global sustainability. The school will focus on transdisciplinarity in social-environmental sciences, offering state-of-the-art science and research results.

Strange burn: new research identifies unique patterns in Utah wildfires

Researchers analyzed satellite data on medium-sized and large wildfires in Utah from 1984 to 2022, finding that medium-sized fires had significant impacts despite smaller size. The study suggests that looking at these 'hidden' fires can help inform decisions on prescribed burns and predict future fire behavior

More than a meteorite: New clues about the demise of dinosaurs

A new study published in Science Advances challenges the long-held theory that a meteorite was responsible for the extinction of the dinosaurs. Researchers from McGill University and around the world found evidence of massive volcanic eruptions in Western India, which may have triggered a global drop in temperature and made life diffic...

SourceMcGill University·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 4, 2023

Watching electrons at work

The study reveals that excited electrons in perovskites cause a shift towards increased symmetry in the crystal lattice. This attractive interaction between excitons could be exploited to enhance electron transport and improve solar cell performance.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Physics·TypeObservational study·DateDec 4, 2023

The risk of cardiovascular disease can be reduced by eating more oily fish

A new study finds that consuming more oily fish like salmon and mackerel can lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases in people with a family history. The research suggests that these fatty acids EPA/DHA play a crucial role in mitigating this risk, especially for those with close relatives who have suffered from cardiovascular disease.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalCirculation·TypeObservational study·DateDec 4, 2023

ECHO research examines nutrition data's value from pregnancy to adolescence in understanding child health

Researchers now have access to a large amount of diet information collected from over 33,000 pregnancies and 31,000 children. This de-identified data, available through the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development's DASH Hub, will help answer important questions about nutrition and child health.

SourceEnvironmental influences on Child Health Outcomes·JournalCurrent Developments in Nutrition·DateDec 4, 2023

Studies help explain why some prostate cancers become resistant to hormone therapy

Two studies led by UCLA researchers reveal how cancer cells use energy to survive and grow, shedding light on why some prostate cancers become resistant to hormone therapy. The findings highlight the importance of considering cell metabolism in developing new cancer treatments, particularly those targeting the androgen receptor.

Eating disorder hospitalizations on the rise, affecting 'atypical' groups the most

A new study reveals a disproportionate increase in pediatric eating disorder hospitalizations, particularly among males, younger teens, and those with eating disorders other than anorexia or bulimia. Hospitalizations rose by 139% over 17 years, with the greatest increases seen for these atypical groups.

SourceInstitute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateDec 4, 2023

New study maps ketamine's effects on brain

A new study published in Cell Reports mapped ketamine's effects on the brains of mice, revealing widespread structural changes in the dopamine system after repeated use. The findings suggest that targeting specific areas of the brain with ketamine therapy could minimize unintended effects.

SourceColumbia University·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 4, 2023

Unravelling the mechanism of urticaria from eruption shapes

A study by Kyoto University researchers uses hierarchical mathematical modeling to analyze the shapes of skin eruptions and link them to the in vivo pathological dynamics of CSU. The Criteria for Classification of Eruption Geometry (EGe criteria) was developed, demonstrating high reliability among dermatologists.

SourceInstitute for the Advanced Study of Human Biology (ASHBi), Kyoto University·JournalCommunications Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 4, 2023

New study: deep sea sensor reveals that corals produce reactive oxygen species

A new study published in PNAS Nexus reveals that deep-sea corals and sponges produce the ROS superoxide, a highly reactive compound with previously unknown effects on ocean life and chemistry. The researchers used a one-of-a-kind deep-sea chemiluminescent sensor to detect superoxide in water closely surrounding corals.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalPNAS Nexus·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 4, 2023

Most adults eligible for statins for prevention are not using them

According to a new study published in Annals of Internal Medicine, most adults who qualify for statin use for primary prevention are not receiving them. The study found that despite increased overall statin use over time, only 35% of eligible adults were taking statins between 2013 and 2018. The researchers suggest that innovative effo...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateDec 4, 2023

December issues of APA journals cover childhood resilience and adult outcomes, genetics and postpartum depression, increasing rates of suicide among Black women, and more

The December issues of The American Journal of Psychiatry and Psychiatric Services explore postpartum depression, responses to stress in adulthood, and adversity in children. APA highlights increased rates of suicide among Black women, shedding light on childhood resilience and genetics.

SourceAmerican Psychiatric Association·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateDec 4, 2023

Endovascular catheter opens blocked arteries deep within lungs, researchers at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University report

Researchers at Temple University Health System report that the BASHIR Endovascular Catheter reduces blockages in lung arteries and correlates with improved right ventricle function, suggesting better survival outcomes. The catheter also shows significantly lower bleeding rates compared to other devices.

SourceTemple University Health System·JournalJACC Advances·DateDec 4, 2023

Japan's first multicenter investigator-initiated clinical trial of patients with mild cognitive impairment: Results of the COMCID study

The COMCID study demonstrates the safety of cilostazol in patients with MCI, but shows no efficacy in preventing disease progression. However, treatment with cilostazol increased blood concentrations of albumin and β-amyloid complex, suggesting a potential role in clearing β-amyloid from the brain.

SourceNational Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateDec 4, 2023

Investigation of degradation mechanism for all-solid-state batteries takes another step toward commercialization

Researchers at KIST identified degradation factors causing rapid capacity degradation and shortened lifespan in all-solid-state batteries. The team found that cracking of the cathode material, irreversible phase transformation, and lithium consumption contribute to overall cell capacity reduction.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateDec 4, 2023

10 billion year, 50,000 light-year journey to black hole

Astronomers discover star S0-6 with chemical composition similar to small galaxies outside Milky Way, suggesting extragalactic origin. The star, 10 billion years old, has traveled over 50,000 light-years from its birthplace to reach vicinity of Sagittarius A*, raising questions about its past and possible companions.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalProceedings of the Japan Academy Series B·TypeObservational study·DateDec 4, 2023