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Science News for June 19, 2023


Was warfare responsible for the fall of small-scale societies?

Researchers at the Complexity Science Hub found that periodic outbreaks of warfare can account for boom-bust patterns in population dynamics of early farming societies. The study suggests that social conflict played a crucial role in shaping the population dynamics of these societies, contrary to previous assumptions that climate chang...

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalScientific Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 19, 2023

AI reveals hidden traits about our planet's flora to help save species

A new machine learning algorithm analyzed high-resolution digital images of herbarium specimens, revealing that factors other than climate have a strong effect on leaf size within a plant species. The study also demonstrates how AI can be used to transform static specimen collections and quickly document climate change effects.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalAmerican Journal of Botany·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 19, 2023

New discovery set to boost disease-resistant rice

A new gene variant, RBL1, has been identified in a type of rice that can be modified to improve performance without yield penalties. This breakthrough could lead to more disease-resistant rice crops with high yields, addressing a major threat to the industry and meeting growing global demand.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 19, 2023

Short-term exposure to PM₂.₅ increases hospital admission risks and costs in China

A recent study found a positive association between short-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and increased hospital admissions, length of stays, and associated costs in all major diseases. The study's findings suggest that improved air quality since 2013 saved CNY2.28 billion in medical expenses in 2017.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalGlobal Transitions·TypeCase study·DateJun 19, 2023

Weak policies and political ideologies risk jeopardizing plans to tackle health and climate change, says Cambridge expert

A Cambridge expert argues that politicians' neglect of evidence hampers plans to tackle health and climate change in the UK. The expert suggests two changes could mitigate this issue: engaging citizens more in policy-making and increasing politician accountability through legally binding systems.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalScience and Public Policy·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJun 19, 2023

Bridging traditional economics and econophysics

Researchers from Complexity Science Hub highlight similarities in models used by economists and physicists to analyze financial markets. The study aims to create an overview of these models, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and avoiding research that gets lost in translation.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalJournal of Economic Interaction and Coordination·TypeSystematic review·DateJun 19, 2023

A program that looks for the most effective drugs for each patient’s cancer helps to personalise cancer treatments

The PanDrugs2 programme analyzes alterations in tumour genes, relates them to existing available drugs, and reports on the most suitable ones. It handles data on over 4,600 genes and 14,600 chemical compounds, generating information on around 74,000 associations between drugs and genes.

Trojan horse polymers for a circular economy

Researchers at Cornell University have developed a novel strategy for making recyclable polyolefins by introducing masked double bonds, known as 'Trojan horse' functional groups. These polymers can be chemically deconstructed and re-polymerized without losing quality.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 19, 2023

Here comes the sun

A recent study suggests that songs with high energy and positive emotions are more likely to match prevailing weather conditions, influencing listener preferences. The research found a strong association between energetic and positive music and warm and sunny weather, but only for popular songs.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJun 19, 2023

Regular napping linked to larger brain volume

A new study published in Sleep Health found that habitual daytime napping is associated with a larger total brain volume, a marker of good brain health linked to lower risk of dementia and other diseases. The research team used Mendelian randomisation to establish a causal link between napping and brain health.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalSleep Health·DateJun 19, 2023

Hairy cells: How cilia’s motor works

Researchers used cryo-electron tomography to study the dynein motor protein, revealing new details about how it generates force and coordinates with other proteins. This knowledge may help develop treatments for diseases related to cilia dysfunction, such as fertility issues and lung disease.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalThe EMBO Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 19, 2023

Assessment of how climate scientists communicate risk shows imperfections, improvements

A study by climate experts reveals that while some aspects of sea level rise risk assessment have improved, others remain imperfect, particularly in conveying 'unquantifiable' uncertainties. Improvements in language and graphics are being incorporated into climate reports, informing civic leaders to counter rising seas effects.

SourceRutgers University·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 19, 2023

Unlocking the potential of enantioselective catalysis: advancements in pyrrolidinyl gold(I) complexes explored through DFT and NEST analysis of the chiral binding pocket

Researchers employ DFT and NEST analysis to investigate pyrrolidinyl gold(I) complexes, revealing enhanced understanding of electronic and steric effects. The findings facilitate the design of novel chiral ligands for enantioselective reactions.

Cognitive behavioural therapy for mothers may improve future mental health for infants: study

A McMaster University study found that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for new mothers can lead to adaptive changes in infant brain functioning and reduce post-partum depression symptoms. The study tracked 73 pairs of mothers and babies undergoing PPD treatments between 2018 and 2020.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalJournal of Affective Disorders·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 19, 2023

A secret sibling of fat cells could hold new clues to understanding fat’s role in cardiometabolic diseases

Scientists at the University of Copenhagen discovered a new type of fat cell called SWAT cells that provide structural integrity to adipose tissue. These flexible cells can differentiate into various types, including fat cells and progenitor cells, suggesting a crucial role in adapting to metabolic conditions.

De facto decriminalization of drug possession reduces the overall arrest toll on the Black community, although racial disparities persist

A new study finds that de facto decriminalization of drug possession in Baltimore led to significant reductions in low-level drug-related arrests, mainly among the Black community. However, racial disparities persisted, with the ratio of street arrests in Black residents increasing after the policy change.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 19, 2023