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Science News Archive November 2023


Page 1 of 40

Pickier dogs have pickier brains

A new study found that pickier dogs exhibit distinct brain responses when rewarded with higher-quality food, which influences their motivation. The research used behavioral observations and neuroimaging techniques to investigate the relationship between food quality and dog behavior.

SourceEötvös Loránd University·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 30, 2023

New research explores future limits of survival and livability in extreme heat conditions

A new study explores the future limits of survival and livability in extreme heat conditions, finding that current estimates may not accurately represent impacts on human health. The research provides a range of safe temperatures based on factors like humidity, age, activity level, and sun exposure.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 30, 2023

Sea fireflies synchronize their sparkle to seek soulmates

Researchers discovered that male ostracods create distinct patterns of bioluminescence to attract females, which are then mirrored by other males, creating a spectacular underwater display. The synchronized swim occurs after sunset at nautical twilight and is used to entice groups of females.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·DateNov 30, 2023

Replacing animal products with a plant-based diet leads to weight loss, finds new analysis

Replacing animal products with plant-based foods leads to significant weight loss, reduced cholesterol and fat intake, and increased fiber consumption among overweight adults. A new analysis found that a vegan diet rich in fruits, vegetables, grains, and beans results in an average weight loss of about 13 pounds.

SourcePhysicians Committee for Responsible Medicine·JournalEuropean Journal of Clinical Nutrition·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 30, 2023

Choice of intravenous fluid therapy could improve survival in critically ill patients

A new meta-analysis found that intravenous fluid therapy using balanced solutions can reduce the risk of in-hospital death in critically ill patients by four percent. Balanced solutions are more closely matched to human blood chemistry than commonly used saline, and may be associated with lower mortality rates.

SourceGeorge Institute for Global Health·JournalThe Lancet Respiratory Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 30, 2023

Progress toward improved vaccines

A research team has introduced a spectrum of potential adjuvants, including α-GalCer analogs with improved activity. The new compounds trigger stronger immune responses in mice, with some demonstrating better adjuvant properties than previously optimized variants.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 30, 2023

New model allows for learning and prediction of microbial interactions

Researchers developed a new framework to predict how microbes interact with each other in unique compositions. Most microbes had minimal impact on the final outcome, with only select few playing crucial roles. The model has potential applications in personalized medicine and understanding microbiome assembly.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 30, 2023

Tis the season to recognize chocolate: researchers highlight high quality cacao in Colombia

A study published in Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture proposes a framework to characterise the unique properties of cacao beans in the Buenaventura region. The research highlights the benefits of establishing Denominations of Origin for cacao, including higher market prices, cultural preservation, and sustainable practices.

SourceSociety of Chemical Industry·JournalJournal of the Science of Food and Agriculture·DateNov 30, 2023

Scientists uncover how fermented-food bacteria can guard against depression, anxiety

Researchers at the University of Virginia Health System have discovered how Lactobacillus, a bacterium found in fermented foods and yogurt, influences mood disorders. The findings suggest that maintaining a healthy level of Lactobacillus may help prevent depression and anxiety by regulating immune response to stress.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalBrain Behavior and Immunity·DateNov 30, 2023

Can artificial intelligence improve life science? As much as life science can improve AI, researchers say

Recent publications in Quantitative Biology assess AI's potential to improve life science research, including applications in medicine and bioinformatics. Researchers propose frameworks for integrating AI in digital investigation, such as Digital Life Systems, which aims to comprehensively integrate AI into system modeling.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalQuantitative Biology·DateNov 30, 2023

Researchers profile pollutants present in an important river basin in São Paulo state, Brazil

A study by UNICAMP researchers found high concentrations of contaminants in the Piracicaba, Capivari and Jundiaí River Basin, including PFAS compounds, pesticides, and industrial chemicals. The study highlights the severity of pollution in the region, which supplies water for drinking, irrigation, and industry.

Illuminating the benefits of marine protected areas for ecotourism, and vice versa

A new study by researchers at UC Santa Barbara's Marine Science Institute found that marine protected areas (MPAs) have a significant impact on the scuba diving industry in Southern California. Ecotourism activities such as underwater wildlife viewing and photography tend to occur within MPAs, while recreational lobster fishing prefers...

Early rhythm control, lifestyle modification and more tailored stroke risk assessment are top goals in managing atrial fibrillation

The new guideline emphasizes the importance of disease prevention, risk factor modification, and optimized therapies to manage atrial fibrillation. It also updates guidelines for catheter ablation, anticoagulants, and heart rate management, aiming to improve patient outcomes and reduce stroke risk.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateNov 30, 2023

One of the largest magnetic storms in history quantified: Aurorae covered much of the night sky from the Tropics to the Polar Regions

A recent solar coronal mass ejection caused aurorae at low latitudes, while a historically significant event in 1872 was found to be one of the most extreme geomagnetic storms in history. The storm's impact on modern society could be severe, with potential disruptions to power grids, communication systems, and satellite communications.

SourceNagoya University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateNov 30, 2023

Inoculation against diseased fields

Researchers found that mycorrhizal fungi can significantly improve crop yields by up to 40% in fields with high levels of fungal pathogens. The inoculation was most effective when the soil had already been contaminated with pathogens, serving as a protective shield against further damage.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 30, 2023

More than $13M awarded to study childhood obesity interventions in rural and minority communities in Louisiana and Tennessee

Researchers aim to determine optimal duration and intensity of behavioral interventions for childhood obesity among rural and minority children. The five-year study, funded by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute, will enroll 900 parent-child pairs and compare different 'dosing' combinations of face-to-face intervention time.

Polarization-independent liquid-crystal phase modulators

Researchers have developed a new approach to polarization-independent liquid-crystal phase modulation using a light-controlled azimuth angle (LCAA) process. This process creates single-layer, multi-microdomain, orthogonally twisted structures with precise alignment, enabling high phase retardation and low polarization dependence.

Photonic chip that ‘fits together like Lego’ opens door to semiconductor industry

Researchers at the University of Sydney have invented a compact silicon semiconductor chip integrating electronics with photonic components, significantly expanding radio-frequency bandwidth and filter control. The new technology has potential applications in advanced radar, satellite systems, wireless networks, and telecommunications,...

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 30, 2023

A mixed origin made maize successful

A new study published in Science reveals that modern maize originated from a hybrid of two teosintes created around 5000 years ago in central Mexico. The hybridization event led to the spread of maize across the Americas and later worldwide, becoming one of the world's most important crops.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 30, 2023

Traumatic memories are represented differently than regular sad memories in the brains of people with PTSD, new research shows

A new study found that traumatic memories in people with PTSD are represented in the brain in a distinct way, deviating from regular memory processing. The hippocampus and posterior cingulate cortex regions showed different neural responses to traumatic and sad autobiographical memories.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNature Neuroscience·TypeObservational study·DateNov 30, 2023

A patch of protection against Zika virus

A new vaccine patch has delivered an effective immune response to Zika virus in mice, providing rapid protection against the disease. The patch, which uses a high-density microarray platform, targets a specific protein crucial to the virus's survival and evokes T-cell responses up to 270% higher than traditional vaccines.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalMolecular Therapy — Nucleic Acids·DateNov 30, 2023