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Science News for December 7, 2023


Fermentation may have driven human brain evolution

A new hypothesis suggests that fermentation of cached food provided a more accessible form of nourishment, fueling the growth of larger brains in human ancestors. This idea is supported by the fact that the human large intestine is proportionally smaller than other primates and fermented foods are found across cultures.

SourceHarvard University·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeObservational study·DateDec 7, 2023

Brazilians create sensor to monitor levels of widely used antibiotic in water and food

Researchers at the Center for Development of Functional Materials created a sensor to monitor metronidazole levels in organisms and the environment. The sensor, combining magnetic fluorescent nanoparticles, showed good sensitivity and practical advantages, enabling real-time analysis and ease of handling.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalJournal of Molecular Liquids·DateDec 7, 2023

Giant doubts about giant exomoons

New research from the Max Planck Institute challenges previous claims of giant exomoons around Kepler-1625b and Kepler-1708b. The study uses a computer algorithm to analyze observations, finding that 'planet-only' interpretations are more conclusive than initially thought.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 7, 2023

Llama power: Tiny llama nanobodies neutralize different noroviruses. Can they improve human anti-viral therapies?

Human noroviruses cause over 684 million illnesses and 212,000 deaths annually. Researchers discovered that llama nanobodies can effectively neutralize different norovirus strains by recognizing a hidden pocket in the virus particles. This finding suggests a novel therapeutic approach against human norovirus.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 7, 2023

Riding sound waves in the brain

Scientists at ETH Zurich successfully navigate gas-filled microbubbles through the brain's blood vessels using ultrasound, offering a potential breakthrough in delivering medications to specific areas. This technology could revolutionize treatments for cancer, stroke, and neurological conditions.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 7, 2023

The evolutionary paradox behind the unusual mating strategy of the ruff

A study on ruff (Calidris pugnax) found a surprisingly low mutation load in the supergene controlling male mating strategies, forcing a reevaluation of supergene evolution. The researchers propose two potential scenarios to resolve this paradox: recent acquisition of recessive lethality or introgression from another species.

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·TypeObservational study·DateDec 7, 2023

Using machine learning to monitor driver ‘workload’ could help improve road safety

Researchers developed an adaptable machine learning algorithm to measure driver 'workload' using driving performance signals, enabling real-time adjustments to in-vehicle systems for enhanced safety and user experience. The system can respond to changes in the driver's behavior, status, road conditions, or characteristics.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalIEEE Transactions on Intelligent Vehicles·DateDec 7, 2023

NIH study suggests maternal inflammation risk factors associated with children's behavioral and emotional regulation

A NIH-funded study found associations between maternal prenatal inflammation and children's attention, anxiety, depression, and aggression. The research used the Child Behavior Checklist to measure aggressive behavior, anxiety/depression, and attention problems in 4,595 participants aged 6-18 years.

SourceEnvironmental influences on Child Health Outcomes·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateDec 7, 2023

“On-demand” HIV prevention method for women being tested in second early phase trial

The TAF/EVG fast-dissolving vaginal insert is being evaluated in a Phase 1 study to determine its safety and user acceptability. The study aims to assess the product's effectiveness as an on-demand HIV prevention method for women, particularly those who do not want or can't use daily PrEP or long-acting products.

Study: International scientists believe lack of women in physics tied to personal preference, but viewpoint ignores gender norms

A new study by Rice University researchers examines how scientists' social identities and national context shape their explanations for gender inequality in science. The study finds that viewing women's decisions to pursue careers in physics as individual choices may diminish efforts to promote gender equality in STEM fields.

SourceRice University·JournalGender Work and Organization·TypeSurvey·DateDec 7, 2023

Ancient Balkan genomes trace the rise and fall of Roman Empire’s frontier, reveal Slavic migrations to southeastern Europe

A multidisciplinary study reconstructs the genomic history of the Balkan Peninsula during the Roman Empire's reign. The analysis reveals a large demographic contribution of people of Anatolian descent, highlighting the cosmopolitanism of the Roman frontier and the long-term consequences of migrations.

SourceSpanish National Research Council (CSIC)·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 7, 2023

Trees in wetter forests more sensitive to drought than trees in drier regions – a finding with policy implications

A recent study analyzing tree ring measurements from 122 species found that trees in wetter forests are more vulnerable to drought than those in drier regions. This suggests that land management policies focused solely on drier regions overestimate the resilience of forests in wetter areas.

Children born moderately early are at an increased risk of developmental disorders, according to new research

A new study found that children born moderately early are at an increased risk of developmental disorders, including language delay, cognitive impairment, ADHD, and cerebral palsy. The study analyzed data from over 8 million children and identified a small but significant increase in risk for most developmental disorders.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalPEDIATRICS·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 7, 2023

Patients with HR-positive breast cancer may use fertility preservation and assisted reproductive technologies without increased risk of recurrence

A study found that patients with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer who paused endocrine therapy to conceive did not experience worse short-term recurrence rates. Cryopreserved embryo transfer was associated with higher pregnancy rates, and younger age and menstrual cycles returning after pausing therapy were linked to improved ou...

How ChatGPT could help first responders during natural disasters

Researchers developed a geoknowledge-guided GPT model that extracted location data from Hurricane Harvey tweets with an accuracy rate 76% better than default models. The model recognized complete location descriptions, enabling first responders to reach victims more quickly and potentially saving lives.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalInternational Journal of Geographical Information Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 7, 2023

New research demonstrates beef meals result in higher muscle protein synthesis rates than vegan meals

A new study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that consuming whole food omnivorous meals with lean beef resulted in significantly higher muscle protein synthesis rates compared to isocaloric and isonitrogenous vegan meals. The research, conducted on healthy older adults, demonstrated a 47% increase in muscle protein synthesis...

SourceMaastricht University Medical Center·JournalJournal of Nutrition·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 7, 2023

Thermal impact of 3D stacking photonic and electronic chips

The study found that 3D integration can lead to significant heat spreading and crosstalk, reducing heater efficiency by up to -43.3% and increasing thermal crosstalk by up to +44.4%. However, optimizing design variables, such as spacing between µbumps and interconnect linewidth, can minimize the thermal penalty of 3D integration.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Optical Microsystems·DateDec 7, 2023

Magnetization by laser pulse

Researchers at Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf have identified a promising phenomenon where certain iron alloys can be magnetized using ultrashort laser pulses. The team has now expanded its findings to an iron-vanadium alloy, revealing a new class of materials with potential applications in spintronics and magnetic sensors.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 7, 2023

Training algorithm breaks barriers to deep physical neural networks

Researchers have developed an algorithm to train an analog neural network just as accurately as a digital one, decreasing energy consumption and eliminating the need for a digital twin. This approach is more biologically plausible and shows improved speed, robustness, and reduced power consumption compared to other methods.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 7, 2023

Cocoa extract supplement found to have benefits for cognition among older adults with lower diet quality

A new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggests that taking cocoa extract supplements containing 500 mg of flavanols daily may improve cognitive function in older adults with lower habitual diet quality. In contrast, participants with healthy dietary patterns showed no cognitive benefits.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 7, 2023

BU researchers determine the structural basis for ApoE-Aβ interactions

The study reveals that apoE-amyloid interactions depend on the exact amyloid structure, termed polymorph. The researchers used four different structures of Aβ fibrils from brains of patients with Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases to build models of apoE in complexes with different fibrils.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalCellular and Molecular Life Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 7, 2023

Polaritons open up a new lane on the semiconductor highway

Purdue University researchers have found that polaritons can contribute a larger share of thermal conductivity in semiconductors, overcoming phonon limitations. By understanding how to design materials and structures, manufacturers can incorporate these polariton-based nanoscale heat transfer principles into chip designs.

SourcePurdue University·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateDec 7, 2023

New Case Western Reserve University study finds diabetes drug may reduce risk for colorectal cancer

Researchers found that GLP-1 RAs significantly reduced the incidence of colorectal cancer in patients with diabetes, compared to those treated with other anti-diabetic drugs. The study's findings support the need for clinical trials to determine whether these medications could prevent one of the deadliest types of cancers.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalJAMA Oncology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 7, 2023

Novel stem cell therapy using technology from mRNA COVID-19 vaccines may stimulate natural repair in treatment of chronic and acute liver disease

A new stem cell treatment using mRNA technology from COVID-19 vaccines has shown promise in regenerating liver tissue, potentially reversing chronic and acute liver diseases. The treatment stimulates the natural repair mechanism of the liver by activating specific receptors on stem cells.

SourceBoston Medical Center·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateDec 7, 2023

North Korea and beyond: AI-powered satellite analysis reveals the unseen economic landscape of underdeveloped nations​

A new AI-powered satellite analysis technique reveals the economic conditions of regions with limited data, such as North Korea. The approach combines human input with machine learning to provide detailed economic maps and monitor progress towards Sustainable Development Goals.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNature Communications·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 7, 2023

World’s first logical quantum processor

A Harvard University team has created the world's first logical quantum processor, which can encode up to 48 logical qubits and execute hundreds of gate operations. This breakthrough is a significant step toward reliable quantum computing and fault-tolerant quantum computation.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 7, 2023

Improving prediction of advanced breast cancer among women of different races and ethnicities

A study published in JAMA Oncology found that regular screening is not enough to prevent advanced breast cancer diagnoses, particularly among women of color who are overweight or obese. The researchers recommend primary prevention strategies to reduce the number of advanced cancer diagnoses.

SourceUniversity of California San Francisco Medical Center·JournalJAMA Oncology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 7, 2023

Study: How farmers decide to store or sell their grain

A new study from the University of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences examines how Illinois corn and soybean producers make marketing decisions. The research found that farms with lower financial positions tend to store more grain, while bigger and older farms have lower storage costs.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Agricultural Economics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 7, 2023

COVID-19 pandemic study shows adherence to infection precaution measures among healthcare personnel varies by job role

A new study found that healthcare personnel who had the highest risk of exposure to SARS-CoV-2 were also more likely to report errors in their own adherence to infection prevention measures. The researchers recommend improvements to training and strategy to better protect healthcare workers.

SourceAssociation for Professionals in Infection Control·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·TypeSurvey·DateDec 7, 2023

Physicists ‘entangle’ individual molecules for the first time, hastening possibilities for quantum information processing

Princeton researchers successfully entangle individual molecules, a breakthrough in quantum mechanics that could lead to faster quantum computers, simulators, and sensors. The achievement overcomes long-standing challenges in controlling molecular behavior, enabling new ways of storing and processing quantum information.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 7, 2023

Nanoparticle magic: fine-tuning gold nanoparticles in tellurite glass for unique photonics

A team of scientists has developed a new approach to form gold nanoparticles in tellurite glasses, enabling precise control over their formation and plasmonic properties. This innovation has potential for real-world impact in exciting photonics research and applications.

Novel and promising pancreatic cancer organoids for effective screening of anticancer drugs

Researchers developed novel PDAC organoids that resemble the unique tumor microenvironment, enabling effective screening of anticancer drugs. The study used patient-derived cells and hiPSC-derived mesenchymal cells to create two distinct organoid types, one with strong chemo-resistance capabilities.

SourceThe Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 7, 2023

Three proposals from researchers to meet EU climate goals

Researchers propose three methods to meet EU climate goals: a carbon removal bank, extended land use regulation, and clear identification of difficult-to-tackle emissions. These measures aim to incentivize companies and countries to invest in new technologies and reduce emissions.

SourceLinköping University·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateDec 7, 2023

Mothers need more “exclusive breastfeeding” support

A study from the University of Tokyo found that the World Health Organization's 24-hour recall method overestimates exclusive breastfeeding by six times. The researchers suggest that in-hospital breastfeeding support and guidance are crucial for increasing exclusive breastfeeding rates. To improve breastfeeding outcomes, experts recomm...

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalBMJ Global Health·TypeSurvey·DateDec 7, 2023

Early life gene epimutation may cause breast cancer.

New research reveals that early life gene epimutations in the BRCA1 gene may increase the risk of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). The study found that these epimutations occurred twice as often in girls than boys and were associated with a higher risk of TNBC, particularly in women who experienced pregnancy-related changes.

SourceThe University of Bergen·JournalNature·DateDec 7, 2023

Acoustic monitoring shows surprising resilience of subtropical forests to extreme weather – but climate change looms

Researchers analyzed 13,000 hours of audio data from Okinawan forests before, during, and after typhoons, finding that ecosystems responded differently than expected. The study suggests that developed sites were more resilient to extreme weather than anticipated, but climate change may push these ecosystems to their limits.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalGlobal Change Biology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 7, 2023

Seattle Hub for Synthetic Biology launched by Allen Institute, Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, and the University of Washington will turn cells into recording devices to unlock secrets of disease

The Seattle Hub for Synthetic Biology will develop technologies to record the history of cells over time, revealing how changes in cells and genes influence human health and disease. This single-cell technology has the potential to revolutionize how scientists study cell biology.

Less asphalt gives stronger trees in urban areas

Research from the University of Gothenburg found that trees surrounded by grass are stronger, taller, and cooler than those with paving close to the trunk. The study suggests investing in good soil and water for trees in urban areas where optimal conditions can be challenging.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalLandscape and Urban Planning·TypeObservational study·DateDec 7, 2023

Opioid prescribing by surgeons

Opioid prescribing rates from US surgeons decreased between 2016 and 2022, but rebounded after the COVID-19 pandemic. Larger prescription sizes were observed during the pandemic due to refills being difficult to obtain.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateDec 7, 2023

Younger postmenopausal patients with early-stage breast cancer may be able to safely omit adjuvant radiotherapy

A five-year follow-up study found that younger postmenopausal patients with stage I hormone receptor-positive breast cancer who opt out of adjuvant radiotherapy have a very low risk of disease recurrence. The study suggests that this option may be safely offered to women in this age group, but longer-term follow-up is needed.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateDec 7, 2023

Even small amounts of physical activity could be valuable in late-stage lung cancer

New research found that less than five minutes of daily physical activity can be beneficial for people living with inoperable lung cancer, reducing mortality rates by 60% compared to those who were largely inactive. Healthcare providers should investigate a person's levels of physical activity in early management of the disease.

SourceCurtin University·JournalJournal of Clinical Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 7, 2023

Revealing the landscape of software as a medical device industry

The study reveals a diverse landscape of software as a medical device (SaMD) with notable progress in artificial intelligence/machine learning-based devices, accounting for 22% of all FDA-approved SaMDs. Established companies focus on incremental innovations, while new entrants and start-ups drive disruptive innovation.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 7, 2023

Plastic surgeons ask: What's the ideal male buttock?

A recent study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery reports that men prefer a moderately enhanced, well-proportioned appearance for their buttocks. The findings suggest that ratings from men and women were similar in terms of preferred proportions, with a focus on symmetry and avoiding a flat or protruding shape.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalPlastic & Reconstructive Surgery·DateDec 7, 2023

Molecular fossils shed light on ancient life

Researchers have discovered lipid fossils in ancient rocks, providing clues about the evolution of life. The findings suggest that a shift in animal feeding strategies occurred around 1.6 billion years ago, with some species abandoning phytosterol production as they obtained this nutrient from algae.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 7, 2023

Ecology: Mediterranean green turtles nesting range expands under warming climate

A modelling study published in Scientific Reports suggests that rising global temperatures could lead to an expansion of the green turtle's nesting range in the Mediterranean Sea. The authors found that sea surface temperature, salinity, and human population density most affect the suitability of a location as a nesting site.

SourceScientific Reports·JournalScientific Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 7, 2023

First international expert and patient collaboration recommends changes to development, assessment, and approval of mental health medicines for young people

A new study published in The Lancet Psychiatry calls for improved processes for developing medicines for children and young people. Experts and patients collaborated to define new parameters for the development of these medicines.

SourceEuropean College of Neuropsychopharmacology·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·TypeSystematic review·DateDec 7, 2023

Chinese Medical Journal review dives deep into probiotics for colorectal cancer

Researchers found that probiotics can limit CRC-promoting bacteria, rebalance the microbial profile, and induce targeted cancer cell death. Postbiotics derived from probiotic bacteria have also been shown to prevent CRC by limiting tumor proliferation and modulating the balance of anti-apoptotic and pro-apoptotic factors.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 7, 2023

Soundwaves harden 3D-printed treatments in deep tissues

A team of engineers has developed a novel printing method called deep-penetrating acoustic volumetric printing (DVAP) that uses soundwaves to solidify biologically compatible structures in deep tissues. The technique involves a specialized ink that reacts to ultrasound waves, enabling the creation of intricate structures for biomedical...

SourceDuke University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 7, 2023