Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for June 23, 2023


Large and in charge

Researchers from Baylor University studied cortisol levels in leopard seals and found significant variations based on sex, diet, and body mass. The study provides crucial baseline data on this enigmatic Antarctic species.

SourceBaylor University·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 23, 2023

Do warmer temperatures make turtles better mothers?

New research from Duke University reveals that warmer temperatures increase the number of germ cells, which play a crucial role in determining the sex of turtles. This finding may explain why temperature-dependent sex determination persists in many animals, despite seeming like a risky strategy.

SourceDuke University·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 23, 2023

City buildings could blow air taxi future off course

Recent studies have measured the impact of sudden wind gusts around city buildings on aircraft stability, revealing significant safety challenges for air taxis. To address this, regulations are being compiled globally to ensure safe operation in urban environments.

SourceRMIT University·JournalDrones·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 23, 2023

Nuclear medicine global initiative reports worldwide challenges and opportunities in theranostics education

The global nuclear medicine initiative addresses the need for standardized educational curriculums to train physicians in nuclear theranostics procedures. The report highlights the rapid evolution of theranostic radiopharmaceuticals and emphasizes the importance of continuing medical education to maintain expertise.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateJun 23, 2023

Extinct warbler’s genome sequenced from museum specimens

Researchers confirm Bachman's warbler as a distinct species by sequencing its genome from museum specimens. The study reveals a new candidate gene involved in feather pigmentation in the group. Comparing the genomes of the extinct warbler with living sister species highlights the crucial role of museum collections in science.

SourcePenn State·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 23, 2023

Global warming accelerates CO2 emissions from soil microbes

Soil microbes are releasing more CO2 into the atmosphere due to global warming, with a potential increase of 40% by 2100 in polar regions. The emissions vary across climate zones, with cold polar regions being more sensitive to changes in soil moisture.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 23, 2023

New study reveals global reservoirs are becoming emptier

A new study using satellite data from over 7,000 global reservoirs found that total storage capacity has increased, but the filling rate is lower than anticipated. The analysis suggests that addressing future water demands cannot rely solely on constructing new reservoirs, highlighting the need for novel management strategies.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 23, 2023

Race-neutral testing could have given access to life-saving lung transplants for more black patients

A study published in Annals of the American Thoracic Society found that race-neutral lung function interpretation could lead to more equitable access to lung transplants for Black patients. The researchers analyzed data from over 8,900 patients and discovered that a race-specific approach resulted in lower Lung Allocation Scores (LAS) ...

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAnnals of the American Thoracic Society·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 23, 2023

Brain pathway identified that impairs postpartum social behavior after adolescent stress

A study by University of Alabama at Birmingham researcher Minae Niwa found that adolescent psychosocial stress, combined with pregnancy and delivery, causes hypofunction of a key neural circuit. This altered circuitry leads to abnormal social behavior in postpartum women, including reduced interaction time with familiar mice.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 23, 2023

New nationwide modeling points to widespread racial disparities in urban heat stress

A new study finds that the average Black urban resident is exposed to disproportionately higher heat stress due to warmer air temperatures, while white residents experience cooler temperatures. The research highlights income- and race-based disparities in urban heat stress across US cities.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalOne Earth·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 23, 2023

New analysis: Kaepernick was denied his “right to work” because he, like other Black male athletes before him, challenged structural racism and white supremacy

A new analysis re-conceptualizes Colin Kaepernick's NFL lock-out as a denial of his 'right to work' due to structural racism and white supremacy. Researchers compared Kaepernick's case to those of six other Black male athletes who faced similar challenges, finding that he was unfairly penalized for protesting systemic issues.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalJournal of Black Studies·TypeCase study·DateJun 23, 2023

Forensic bitemark analysis for court trials is not supported by sufficient data and “is leading to wrongful convictions”

Bitemark analysis, commonly used in court trials, lacks scientific backing due to the uniqueness of human teeth on skin. A study of 26 people wrongfully convicted based on this evidence reveals a high rate of distortion, rendering it unreliable for identification purposes.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalJournal of the California Dental Association·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 23, 2023

Baylor researchers examine relationship between imprisoned mothers and their adolescent children’s risk behaviors

Researchers found that adolescents with incarcerated mothers are at higher risk of depression, withdrawal, substance abuse, and delinquency. The study suggests that modifying sleep patterns, dietary behaviors, and physical activity can mitigate these risks, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions in this population.

SourceBaylor University·JournalSocieties·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 23, 2023

Stanford Medicine-led research identifies a subtype of depression

Researchers have identified a subtype of depression, labeled the cognitive biotype, which accounts for 27% of depressed patients. This group has difficulty with planning, self-control, and focus, and shows reduced activity in brain regions responsible for these tasks. Targeting cognitive dysfunctions with less commonly used antidepress...

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 23, 2023

Yearly re-scanning not needed for common brain tumor detected in 1 in 10 people

A UK-wide study found that non-functioning pituitary microadenomas (NFPA) are more likely to shrink or disappear than grow within three years of monitoring. The study suggests that clinical guidelines should be changed, and a single scan three years after initial detection would be a safe and cost-effective way to manage NFPAs.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalEuropean Journal of Endocrinology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 23, 2023

Study reveals genetic signatures of chickpea's cultural crossroads

A new study sheds light on the genetic heritage of chickpeas by analyzing landrace genomics from over 400 specimens collected in the 1920s and 1930s. The research reveals that the spread of chickpeas within each region occurred predominantly along trade routes, rather than through simple diffusion.

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·TypeObservational study·DateJun 23, 2023

A new species of early toothed whale

A new species of early odontocete, Olympicetus thalassodon, has been discovered along the North Pacific coastline. The fossil remains show a unique combination of features that set them apart from other groups of toothed whales.

SourcePeerJ·JournalPeerJ·TypeObservational study·DateJun 23, 2023

All the immunity, none of the symptoms

Researchers found that an iron-rich diet can prevent deadly symptoms in mice during active infection, while a functional adaptive immune system is required for immunity against future infections. The study paves the way for the development of new vaccines that could promote immunity for those with diarrheal diseases.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 23, 2023