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Science News for April 12, 2024


Retention ponds can deliver a substantial reduction in tire particle pollution, study suggests

A new study reveals that retention ponds and wetlands can significantly reduce the amount of tyre particles entering aquatic environments, with an average reduction of 75%. The research found that tyre wear particles outweigh other forms of microplastics, but are also removed in greater quantities.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalEnvironmental Science and Pollution Research·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 12, 2024

Bonobos are more aggressive than previously thought

Researchers found that male bonobos were more frequently aggressive than chimpanzees, engaging in 2.8 times more interactions and 3 times as many physical aggressions. More aggressive males had greater mating success, challenging the self-domesticating hypothesis.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeObservational study·DateApr 12, 2024

How seaweed became multicellular

Researchers found that macroalgae acquired new genes for cell adhesion, differentiation, communication, and transport from viruses, which played a critical role in their evolution to multicellularity. The study provides valuable genomic resources for further studies on the biology of macroalgae.

SourceCell Press·JournalMolecular Plant·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 12, 2024

Children’s Hospital Los Angeles researchers probe immune microenvironment to prevent pediatric liver transplant rejection

Researchers created a proteomics-based imaging mass cytometry marker panel to categorize immune cells at single-cell resolution, identifying unique signatures of active T-cell-mediated rejection. The study aims to find personalized immunosuppression therapies with fewer side effects.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·JournalScience Advances·TypeImaging analysis·DateApr 12, 2024

First insights into the genetic bottleneck characterizing early sheep husbandry in the Neolithic period

A study of ancient sheep mitogenomes from Asıklı Höyük reveals five matrilineages, including one previously unknown lineage, contradicting the assumption of rapid genetic diversity loss during early domestication. High diversity persisted despite a millennium of human interference with sheep breeding.

PFAS exposure from high seafood diets may be underestimated

A Dartmouth-led study found that people in New England, particularly those who frequently consume seafood, face an increased risk of PFAS exposure. The researchers recommend setting safety standards to limit seafood consumption and highlight the need for more stringent public health guidelines.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalExposure and Health·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 12, 2024

Where have all the right whales gone?

Researchers used newly analyzed data to predict and help avoid whales' harmful exposure to commercial fishing and vessel strikes. The study mapped the density of one of the most endangered large whale species worldwide, the North Atlantic right whale.

SourceDuke University·JournalMarine Ecology Progress Series·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 12, 2024

Supercool delivery: final section of souped-up neutron source trucks out of Jefferson Lab

The Spallation Neutron Source at Oak Ridge National Laboratory is receiving a major upgrade thanks to US neutron science facility Jefferson Lab. The final cryomodule has been successfully delivered and will double the power capability of the linear accelerator, enabling next-generation neutron science research. This delivery marks the ...

Exoplanets true to size

Researchers have successfully determined the size and atmospheric composition of exoplanet WASP-39b by including a star's magnetic field in model calculations. The study improves upon previous observations by providing a more precise understanding of the planet's signal in light curves.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Solar System Research·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 12, 2024

Inherited predisposition for higher muscle strength may protect against common morbidities

A large-scale study found that individuals with a genetic predisposition for higher muscle strength have a slightly lower risk for common noncommunicable diseases and premature mortality. This is attributed to their intrinsic ability to resist pathological changes during aging, rather than recovery from acute adversity.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalThe Journals of Gerontology Series A·DateApr 12, 2024

One of the largest male infertility genetic studies improves molecular diagnostics and personalized management of andrology patients

A large-scale study identified 39 genes regulating spermatogenesis and disease-causing variants in ~12% of men with unexplained infertility; the findings have improved molecular diagnostics and treatment for infertile couples worldwide.

SourceEstonian Research Council·JournalThe American Journal of Human Genetics·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 12, 2024

First national study of Dobbs ruling’s effect on permanent contraception among young adults

A new study published in JAMA Health Forum found that following the Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization ruling, permanent sterilization procedures among young adults increased nationwide, with tubal sterilizations rising twice as high as vasectomies. The study also highlighted the disproportionate impact on young women, who ar...

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalJAMA Health Forum·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 12, 2024