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Science News for November 16, 2023


New research questions the nature and meaning of "psychic-channeling" experiences

A recent study on psychic channeling experiences found little correspondence among channelers' answers to scientific questions, yet common themes emerged in the qualitative analysis. The results raise important questions about the complex phenomenon of channeling and its potential usefulness for future research.

SourceSociety for Scientific Exploration·JournalJournal of Scientific Exploration·TypeSurvey·DateNov 16, 2023

Terrorism rather than pandemics more concerning for those with those with authoritarian views, analysis shows

Research by the University of Exeter reveals that those with authoritarian political views are more concerned about terrorism and border control than new health pandemics. This study suggests COVID-19 does not disproportionately affect authoritarian concern for social divisions in British society.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalPolitics and the Life Sciences·TypeSurvey·DateNov 16, 2023

Evidence of cerebral microstructural reorganization in symptomatic children following mild traumatic brain injury

A new study found that children with persisting symptoms after mild traumatic brain injury exhibited ongoing cerebral microstructural changes. The researchers used brain MRI-based metrics to detect these changes, which were more pronounced in symptomatic individuals than healthy controls.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Neurotrauma·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 16, 2023

Like the phoenix, Australia’s giant birds of prey rise again from limestone caves

Two new bird species, the Australian vulture (Cryptogyps lacertosus) and a newly named eagle (Dynatoaetus pachyosteus), have been found in fossil deposits from over 50,000 years ago. The discovery sheds light on the extinction of megafauna and suggests that these birds may have played a key role in their demise.

SourceFlinders University·JournalAlcheringa An Australasian Journal of Palaeontology·TypeObservational study·DateNov 16, 2023

Social media helping to protect biodiversity

Researchers have successfully mapped thousands of animal species in Bangladesh using social media posts, significantly improving habitat conservation. The study also highlights opportunities for social media companies to automate biodiversity data collection, making it easier for scientists to access and utilize.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalOne Earth·DateNov 16, 2023

The mind’s eye of a neural network system

Researchers at Purdue University developed a new tool to visualize neural network decisions, making it easier to identify errors in image recognition. The tool uses graph-topological data analysis to provide a bird's-eye view of all images in a database, revealing areas where the network struggles to distinguish between classifications.

SourcePurdue University·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 16, 2023

Breakthrough in bladder cancer research

Two phase-3 clinical trials demonstrate a significant increase in overall survival and progression-free survival for bladder cancer patients treated with immunotherapy combinations. The studies show a 22% reduction in the risk of death compared to chemotherapy alone, providing a promising new approach for treating advanced bladder cancer.

SourceNetherlands Cancer Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 16, 2023

A highly efficient open-shell singlet luminescent diradical with strong magnetoluminescence properties

A new type of luminescent diradical has been created, showing high photoluminescence and photo-stability. The material demonstrates significant single-molecule magnetoluminescence properties, achieving a giant ML value of 210% at a magnetic field of 7 T.

High levels of maternal stress during pregnancy linked to children’s behavior problems

Research found that women experiencing high levels of anxiety, depression, or stress during pregnancy had children with increased symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and aggressive behavior. The study suggests providing mental health care and support during pregnancy can help prevent childhood behavior problems.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalPsychological Bulletin·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 16, 2023

“Wolves like cherry-picking”: Modelling shows how they recolonized Germany and where they could live in the future

A team of scientists from the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research found that grey wolves' habitat selection changes during recolonization in Germany, moving from early-stage 'cherry-picking' to late-stage less-selective choices. This shift affects predictions of wolf distribution and expansion in the country.

SourceLeibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW)·JournalDiversity and Distributions·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 16, 2023

Pushing the boundaries of eco-friendly chemical production

A team of researchers has made a significant leap forward in molecular chemistry by modifying azaarenes, unique molecular puzzle pieces crucial to many everyday products. Using photoenzymatic systems, they have discovered novel chemical reactions that were previously thought to be out of reach.

2023 Canadian wildfires impacted air quality as far away as Europe, China

A study published in Advances in Atmospheric Sciences found that record-setting Canadian wildfires had a significant impact on air quality across the Northern Hemisphere. The research used numerical air quality models to simulate the dispersal of pollutants from the fires, revealing widespread effects beyond Canada and the US.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateNov 16, 2023

Universal adaptive optics for microscopy through embedded neural network control

A new machine learning-based adaptive optics method, MLAO, enhances microscopy imaging by requiring fewer sample exposures and coping with high noise levels, random sample motions, and blinking events. The approach provides physical insights into the imaging process, enabling better understanding of aberrations and internal workings.

Poor work performance among Japanese employees strongly associated with depressive symptoms and indefinite complaints

A cross-sectional study of 12,526 Japanese corporate employees found that nine health problems, including depressive symptoms and indefinite complaints, were strongly associated with poor work performance. The relationship was stronger for men than women, suggesting a focus on improving psychosocial environment in the workplace.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalJournal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine·DateNov 16, 2023

Inequality hotspot map shows where women in agriculture are hit the hardest by the climate crisis

A new hotspot map reveals where women working in agri-food systems face the highest climate risk, with central, east, and southern Africa, as well as west and south Asia, being among the most vulnerable regions. Women's exposure to climate hazards and systemic gender inequalities converge to increase their vulnerability.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Sustainable Food Systems·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 16, 2023

Social assistance programs are an effective strategy to mitigate the impact of economic crises on child health

A study in Brazil found that social pensions and conditional cash transfers significantly reduced child mortality rates between 13-16%. The impact was greater in poorer communities. Expanding these programs could avert nearly 150,000 child deaths by 2030.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Americas·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 16, 2023

Paper offers perspective on future of brain-inspired AI as Python code library passes major milestone

The Python code library snnTorch, developed by UC Santa Cruz's Jason Eshraghian, has surpassed 100,000 downloads and is used in various projects. A new paper published in the Proceedings of the IEEE documents the library and offers a candid educational resource for students and programmers interested in brain-inspired AI.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalProceedings of the IEEE·DateNov 16, 2023

Morphing cones under compression: new research uncovers surprises for soft robotic actuators

Researchers from the University of Cambridge have discovered that conical shells made from soft materials are vulnerable to buckling at much smaller loads than previously predicted. This finding has implications for designing soft robots and mechanisms, as free unclamped edges can weaken thin structures in a surprising manner.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 16, 2023

Cultivating euglena in tomato juice

Researchers found that cultivating Euglena in tomato juice resulted in high cell densities and tightly packed chloroplasts, outperforming other beverages. The nutrient composition of tomato juice is suitable for Euglena growth, offering a promising solution to the shortage of animal protein and potential health benefits.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalSustainable Food Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 16, 2023

Study finds motorist disorientation syndrome is not only caused by vestibular dysfunction

A recent study published in Journal of Vestibular Research found that Motorist Disorientation Syndrome (MDS) is not solely caused by vestibular dysfunction, but also related to visual dependency and anxiety. The research identified 18 patients with severe symptoms, leading to changes in driving habits for 17 of them.

SourceIOS Press·JournalJournal of Vestibular Research·TypeObservational study·DateNov 16, 2023

Microplastics in soil: Tomography with neutrons and X-rays shows where particles are deposited

Scientists have developed a new method to investigate the deposition and impact of microplastics in soil, using neutron and X-ray tomography. The technique allows for the precise location of microplastic particles and analysis of changes to soil structure, shedding light on the environmental implications of microplastic pollution.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 16, 2023

Understanding survival factors in critically ill patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

A study by Chung Ang University researchers found that heart and multi-organ failures were the most common causes of death among critically ill patients receiving ECMO. The study identified key risk factors, including ECMO weaning failure, new-onset renal failure, and low average mean arterial pressure, to minimize mortality rates.

SourceChung Ang University·JournalIntensive and Critical Care Nursing·TypeObservational study·DateNov 16, 2023

Unveiling the future of tropical cyclones: A call to enhance identification and simulation in climate models

A recent study highlights the urgent need to address uncertainties in tropical cyclone projections due to climate change. The research emphasizes the importance of improving predictive capabilities to refine climate adaptation strategies and safeguard vulnerable coastal regions.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateNov 16, 2023

Growth mindset training enhances entrepreneurial programs by 50%

A new study found that growth mindset training enhances entrepreneurial programs by 50%, enabling individuals to apply learned business principles effectively. The research team discovered a significant increase in entrepreneurial actions among those who received the training, which helped overcome fixed mindsets and scarcity mentality.

SourceStrategic Management Society·JournalStrategic Entrepreneurship Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 16, 2023

Researchers tune the speed of chirality switching

Researchers at Kanazawa University demonstrate how environmental changes can accelerate or decelerate the chiral inversion process of metallocryptand (R6)LNi3. By adding alkali metal ions, they can change the preferred ratio and speed of switching between two forms of the molecule. This novel approach provides a time-programmable switc...

SourceKanazawa University·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 16, 2023

Gene splicing reduces effectiveness of CD20-targeting monoclonal antibodies designed to treat variety of blood cancers and disorders

Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found that gene splicing can reduce CD20 protein levels, making immunotherapies ineffective. However, CAR-T cell therapy may still be effective against patients with low CD20 levels, offering a new treatment option for these patients.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalBlood·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 16, 2023

New study suggests corporate culture thwarts efforts to hire innovative candidates

A recent study found that recruiters are less likely to rank former startup founders as top candidates due to biases in evaluating their skills and cultural fit. Smaller companies and recruiters with entrepreneurial aspirations tend to view entrepreneurs more favorably, but overall, startups remain less hireable than corporate executives.

SourceStrategic Management Society·JournalStrategic Entrepreneurship Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 16, 2023

New study reveals molecular causes of rare neurological condition in children

A new study has uncovered the molecular causes of a rare developmental brain condition in children, known as Autosomal Recessive ACBD6-related disorder. The research team identified defects in the acyl-CoA-binding domain-containing protein 6 (ACBD6) gene as the underlying cause, leading to delays in cognitive and motor skills development.

SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·JournalBrain·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 16, 2023

University of Miami receives $1.8 million NOAA grant to study South Florida’s coastal ecosystems

The University of Miami Rosenstiel School will conduct multi-stressor experiments on 16 key reef species to assess the impacts of ocean warming, acidification, and hypoxia on South Florida's coastal and marine ecosystems. The project aims to characterize the effects of climate change stressors under present and future scenarios.

We achieved gender parity in astronomy in just five years

A national Australian astronomy centre achieved gender parity in just five years by implementing evidence-based strategies and creating a supportive culture. The Centre's program reached a tipping point when there were 40% women in leadership positions, resulting in accelerated student enrolments by women.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for All Sky Astrophysics in 3D (ASTRO 3D)·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 16, 2023