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Science News for April 10, 2024


Low-density polyethylene microplastics partially alleviate the ecotoxicological effects induced by cadmium exposure on the earthworm Eisenia fetida

Low-density polyethylene microplastics partially alleviated the ecotoxicological effects caused by cadmium exposure on earthworms. They reduced histopathological damage and DNA damage in coelomocytes, as well as inhibited Cd's growth-inhibiting effects.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalSoil Ecology Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 10, 2024

Organizations need to beware whispering death from “institutional parasites”, study finds

A recent study by academics from British and Finnish business schools has warned that organisations can be destroyed from within and without by 'institutional parasites' such as suppliers or employees. These parasites can initially benefit both the organisation and the parasite, but can ultimately cause significant harm if left unchecked.

SourceCity St George’s, University of London·JournalAcademy of Management Review·DateApr 10, 2024

The genesis of our cellular skeleton, image by image

Researchers at the University of Geneva have successfully visualized and reconstructed the assembly of the human centriole, a critical structure in the cell skeleton. By combining high-resolution microscopy and kinematic reconstruction techniques, they were able to model the first 4D assembly of the centriole, providing new insights in...

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalCell·DateApr 10, 2024

Visiting white parts of town make some Black kids feel less safe

A new study by Ohio State University found that Black youth feel less safe when visiting predominantly white areas of their city. The study, which involved 1,405 11- to 17-year-old youths, showed that Black kids who spent more time in white-dominated areas felt less safe and had higher levels of chronic stress, measured by hair cortiso...

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·TypeObservational study·DateApr 10, 2024

Advancing brain-inspired computing with hybrid neural networks

Hybrid Neural Networks (HNNs) combine Spiking Neural Networks (SNNs) and Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs), leveraging the strengths of both to achieve better performance and cost balance. HNN models have been applied in various intelligent tasks and are expected to contribute further to the development of Artificial General Intelligence.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateApr 10, 2024

Surface emitting semiconductor laser achieves efficiency breakthrough

Researchers have achieved a significant breakthrough in surface-emitting semiconductor laser efficiency using multi-junction cascaded active area technology. The new design strategy increases gain volume, enhancing differential quantum efficiency and maintaining lower threshold current.

Trends in deaths of despair by race and ethnicity

Midlife mortality rates for deaths of despair, including suicide, overdose, and liver disease, vary by race and ethnicity, with higher rates among Black and American Indian/Alaska Native populations. Early mortality from drug- and alcohol-related causes contributes to these disparities.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateApr 10, 2024

Most cybercriminal threats are concentrated in just a few countries

The study finds that cybercriminal threats are primarily concentrated in a small number of countries, with China, Russia, Ukraine, the US, Romania, and Nigeria ranking high in various categories. The World Cybercrime Index provides a useful tool for targeting investigative and preventive efforts more efficiently.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSurvey·DateApr 10, 2024

Can probiotics plus vitamin D supplements benefit people with schizophrenia?

A randomized controlled trial found that co-administration of probiotic and vitamin D supplements improved MoCA scores and increased the percentage of patients with normal cognition in individuals with schizophrenia. The study suggests that probiotics may be a novel way to treat mental disorders by regulating gut microbiota.

SourceWiley·JournalNeuropsychopharmacology Reports·DateApr 10, 2024

Navigation software supports kidney research

Researchers developed a new computer method to clarify the question of whether protein excretion in the urine is caused by severely damaged or moderately damaged glomeruli. The technique uses three-dimensional image processing and a highly parallelized geometric algorithm to determine the fastest route on a two-dimensional map.

SourceUniversitatsklinikum Bonn·JournalKidney International·DateApr 10, 2024

A new coating method in mRNA engineering points the way to advanced therapies

Researchers at Tokyo Medical and Dental University have developed a novel method for coating engineered messenger RNA molecules with polyethylene glycol (PEG), allowing selective delivery to the spleen. This breakthrough enables fine-tuned control over mRNA therapy, facilitating effective treatment of diseases previously considered inc...

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalSmall Science·DateApr 10, 2024

Esketamine injection just after childbirth reduces depression in new mothers

A single low dose injection of esketamine given immediately after childbirth reduces major depressive episodes in individuals with depressive symptoms during pregnancy. The results suggest that low dose esketamine should be considered in new mothers with prenatal depressive symptoms, potentially preventing one major depressive episode ...

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 10, 2024

New mechanism discovered for the life-threatening arrhythmias in Andersen-Tawil syndrome

Researchers have discovered a direct link between the C122Y mutation in the Kir2.1 potassium channel and life-threatening arrhythmias in Andersen-Tawil syndrome, which affects fewer than 1 in a million people. The study highlights the importance of understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying cardiac arrhythmias.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalCirculation Research·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 10, 2024

US building footprints could help identify neighborhood sociodemographic traits

A new study analyzing building footprints in US metropolitan areas identifies five distinct neighborhood types associated with varying socioeconomic and demographic traits. These neighborhoods differ in footprint size, shape, and placement, reflecting differences in population density, homeownership rates, and commuting habits.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 10, 2024

How is green and sustainable agriculture evolving in youngest province of China?

A study in Hainan Province, China, evaluates the progress of green and sustainable agriculture, finding improvements in socioeconomic development and agricultural productivity. However, environmental degradation remains a challenge, with high resource input and waste management issues hindering sustainable development.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Agricultural Science and Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 10, 2024

Smart vest turns fish into underwater spies: a glimpse into aquatic life like never before

Researchers have developed an innovative underwater vest that captures disturbances in water flow caused by fish movements, enabling precise monitoring of their natural behaviors. The device's pseudocapacitive pressure-sensing units offer a robust and noninvasive approach to studying aquatic behaviors.

New strategy for assessing the applicability of reactions

Chemists develop new reactions using model systems and substrates to demonstrate versatility. A new computer-aided method reduces subjective bias by analyzing real pharmaceutical compounds' complexity and structural properties. This improves data quality and facilitates machine learning applications.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalACS Central Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 10, 2024

NTU Singapore researchers develop a method to extract useful proteins from beer-brewing leftovers

Researchers from NTU Singapore have created a method to extract over 80% of the available protein in grain leftovers from brewing beer, commonly known as brewers' spent grain. The extracted proteins could be used commercially to enrich human diets and cosmetic products, providing an eco-friendly alternative to conventional ingredients.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalInnovative Food Science & Emerging Technologies·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 10, 2024

Experiencing racial discrimination impacts the mental health of teens in the U.S. justice system

A new study by SMU psychologists reveals that interpersonal racial discrimination has a significant impact on the mental health of adolescents in the US justice system. The research emphasizes the importance of considering these intersecting factors when providing support systems to meet the unique needs of adolescents of color.

SourceSouthern Methodist University·JournalJournal of Interpersonal Violence·DateApr 10, 2024

Filling in genomic blanks for disease studies works better for some groups than others

A new study from the Keck School of Medicine of USC found that genome-wide association studies' imputation technique works better for European, African American, and Latino groups than others. The researchers evaluated over 100 global populations, finding that imputation is less reliable for those farther away from Europe.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 10, 2024

3D mouth of an ancient jawless fish suggests they were filter-feeders, not scavengers or hunters

Researchers have reconstructed the mouth of an ancient jawless fish using CT scanning techniques, suggesting it was a filter-feeder rather than a scavenger or hunter. The study reveals that early vertebrates had a diverse range of feeding behaviors before jawed animals evolved.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeImaging analysis·DateApr 10, 2024

Treating gum disease after heart rhythm ablation reduced risk of AFib recurrence

A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association suggests that treating gum disease after a heart rhythm ablation procedure can lower oral inflammation and reduce the risk of AFib recurrence. Researchers found that an index measuring the severity of gum inflammation was associated with the return of AFib, highligh...

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateApr 10, 2024

Study suggests racial discrimination during midlife associated with Alzheimer’s disease pathology later in life

A new study found a link between midlife racial discrimination and increased levels of Alzheimer's disease markers, including phosphorylated tau181 and neurofilament light, in older age. Researchers analyzed data from 255 Black Americans over 17 years, revealing that chronic stress from racism contributed to dementia risk.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia·DateApr 10, 2024

Ultrafast laser state active controlling based on anisotropic quasi-1D material

Researchers achieve tunable ultrafast laser state active controlling by utilizing anisotropic quasi-1D material Ta2PdS6. The material enables the sustainment of two distinct laser states: conventional soliton (CS) and noise-like pulse (NLP). Numerical simulation reveals the mechanism behind the switchable laser state.

Somatic copy number alterations and mutation landscape in before and post-treatment malignant rhabdoid tumor

This study evaluated somatic copy number alterations (SCNAs) and mutation landscapes in malignant rhabdoid tumors before and after treatment. The results revealed recurrent SCNAs harboring genes involved in tumorigenesis, with some correlations between gene expression and tumor progression.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalJournal of Clinical and Translational Pathology·DateApr 10, 2024

Mechanism of action of the hepatitis B and D virus cell entry inhibitor bulevirtide deciphered

Researchers deciphered the molecular structure of bulevirtide in complex with HBV/HDV receptor NTCP, revealing a unique 'plug' that inhibits virus entry. The study also sheds light on evolutionary adaptation of HBVs to host species and provides insights for developing smaller, more effective active agents.

SourceGerman Center for Infection Research·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 10, 2024

Indigenous Australian message sticks, which feature markings to convey messages over long distances, analyzed for first time at scale through new database of 1,500 artifacts

A new database of 1,500 Indigenous Australian message sticks has been analyzed for the first time, revealing details about the symbols and markings used to convey messages over long distances. The study provides valuable insights into the ancient communication methods employed by Australia's indigenous peoples.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 10, 2024

Revascularization enhances quality of life for patients with chronic limb threatening ischemia

Researchers found that revascularization treatment significantly improves the quality of life for patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia, a severe form of peripheral artery disease. The study revealed diminished quality of life among these patients, but revascularization restored sufficient blood flow and improved wellbeing.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalCirculation·TypeObservational study·DateApr 10, 2024

Chinese Medical Journal Review highlights novel pathogenic mechanisms and therapeutic potentials in cancer treatment targeting internal N6-methyladenosine and N7-methylguanine

Researchers highlight the role of post-transcriptional RNA modifications in AML pathogenesis, identifying m6A and m7G regulators as potential therapeutic targets. Targeted therapies, including selective inhibitors and Traditional Chinese Medicine compounds, show promise in promoting cell differentiation and reversing AML phenotypes.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 10, 2024

Weight training improves symptoms of anxiety and depression in old people, study confirms

A study published in Psychiatry Research confirms that weight training improves symptoms of anxiety and depression in old people. The analysis of over 200 articles identified the types of training most indicated for these cases, recommending exercises done three times a week with short sets and proper structure.

Impact of aldehydes on DNA damage and aging

Researchers at Nagoya University discover aldehydes cause DNA damage and contribute to premature aging in humans. The team proposes a link between aldehyde-derived DNA damage and premature aging, highlighting potential targets for therapeutic intervention.

SourceNagoya University·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateApr 10, 2024

Long-term satellite observations show climatological characteristics of isolated deep convection over the Tibetan Plateau

Researchers found isolated deep convection (IDCs) mainly concentrate in the southern Tibetan Plateau, with an average of 54.2 IDCs per rainy season. IDCs contribute up to 70% of extreme precipitation in July and August, highlighting their significant role in regional weather patterns.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateApr 10, 2024

New method of measuring qubits promises ease of scalability in a microscopic package

The Aalto University research group Quantum Computing and Devices has developed a new method of measuring qubits using ultrasensitive thermal detectors. This approach promises to evade the Heisenberg uncertainty principle, allowing for more accurate measurements and potentially enabling higher qubit counts in near-term quantum computers.

SourceAalto University·JournalNature Electronics·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 10, 2024

AI-assisted breast-cancer screening may reduce unnecessary testing

Researchers developed an AI algorithm to identify normal mammograms and ran a simulation on patient data, revealing that AI can reduce unnecessary testing while maintaining cancer detection rates. The study suggests that AI can help doctors focus on more questionable scans, reducing false positives and improving workflows.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalRadiology Artificial Intelligence·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 10, 2024

Mental health disparities growing among transgender adults

A recent study found that mental health distress increased disproportionately among transgender adults in the US from 2014 to 2021. The number of self-reported 'poor mental health days' per month increased by 2.75 days, with 32.9% of transgender adults reporting frequent mental distress in 2021 compared to 14.6% of cisgender adults.

SourceAmerican Public Health Association·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 10, 2024

Pea plants that flower for longer

A research team from the IBMCP has identified a gene called FUL that regulates the duration of flowering in crops like peas, leading to increased seed production. This finding could provide a biotechnological tool to prolong reproductive phases and boost yields in leguminous crops.

SourceUniversitat Politècnica de València·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 10, 2024

Discovery of a marker of delayed recovery of concussion in children

A new study has identified alpha-1-antichymotrypsin as a blood protein marker that can predict delayed recovery of concussion in children. The study found that children with low levels of alpha-1-antichymotrypsin were more likely to experience delayed recovery, highlighting the potential for early diagnosis and targeted treatment.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Neurotrauma·TypeObservational study·DateApr 10, 2024

A study in Science Advances suggests liquid biopsy could detect and monitor aggressive small cell lung cancer

A new lab assay developed by Fred Hutch Cancer Center researchers detects differences between types of lung cancer using patterns in cell-free tumor DNA. The blood-based test has the potential to classify clinical subtypes driven by transcriptional programs and expand treatment selection for patients with small-cell lung cancer.

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 10, 2024