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Science News for April 22, 2024


International balance of power determined by Chinese control over emerging technologies, study shows

A new study by the University of Exeter finds that China's growing use of emerging technologies in civilian and military domains has escalated its stakes as a threat and near-peer competitor to the US. Western states have responded with diplomatic efforts, bans, and restrictions to undermine China's power.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalChinese Political Science Review·TypeObservational study·DateApr 22, 2024

Uncovering a CS Lewis poem in Special Collections

A forgotten poem by CS Lewis has been uncovered in Special Collections, revealing details of friendships between fantasy writers and medievalists at the University of Leeds. The poem praises the Gordons, a married couple who were close friends with JRR Tolkien and medievalist scholars.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalJournal of Inklings Studies·DateApr 22, 2024

The relationship between viral replication and the severity of hepatic necroinflammatory damage changed before HBeAg loss in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection

Studies found a negative relationship between HBV replication and liver inflammation in HBeAg-positive patients with high viral DNA levels, which shifted to positive relationships for those with low DNA levels or HBeAg-negative status. This interaction suggests a complex relationship between viral replication and liver damage progression.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalJournal of Clinical and Translational Hepatology·DateApr 22, 2024

Without proper management, Cerrado becomes disfigured and less resilient to climate change

A 14-year study in the Brazilian savanna-like biome found that tree basal area increased while density decreased, and community diversity increased slightly. The researchers discovered that 54% of initial trees had died, replaced by new growth, highlighting the rapid degeneration of cerradão into a biodiversity-poor forest formation.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalForest Ecology and Management·DateApr 22, 2024

A win–win approach: maximizing Wi-Fi performance using game theory

A team of researchers has developed a novel approach using game theory to maximize Wi-Fi performance by optimizing user positions. By analyzing the incentives for all users, their potential game model condenses the impact of new users and inter-user interference into a single function.

SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·JournalIEEE Open Journal of the Communications Society·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 22, 2024

Chicago study: Sibling contact with criminal legal system harmful to children, families

A new study found that sibling criminal legal system contact disrupts home life for siblings and families, leading to increased behavioral issues in children, financial and material hardship for parents, and lower levels of social support. The study suggests that mass criminalization imperils families and children.

SourceCrime and Justice Research Alliance·JournalJournal of Marriage and Family·DateApr 22, 2024

New sensing checks for 3D printed products could overhaul manufacturing sector

Researchers at the University of Bristol have derived a formula to assess the quality of components in fields like aerospace using laser-based ultrasonic array sensors. This breakthrough could lead to radically new designs, quicker production processes, and significant commercial advantage for UK manufacturing.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalWaves in Random and Complex Media·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 22, 2024

Eye-opener: Pupils enlarge when people focus on tasks

A recent study published in Attention, Perception & Psychophysics found a correlation between pupil dilation and working memory. Researchers at the University of Texas at Arlington discovered that individuals with better working memory had larger pupil dilations during tasks, indicating improved focus and attention.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalAttention Perception & Psychophysics·TypeObservational study·DateApr 22, 2024

Mosaics of predisposition cause skin disease

Researchers at Kobe University discovered a new gene, FDFT1, responsible for porokeratosis by identifying epigenetic silencing. Patients with localized lesions didn't have inherited damaged copies, leading to a hypothesis that epigenetic changes are the first hit. The findings have implications for treatment and counseling.

SourceKobe University·JournalThe American Journal of Human Genetics·TypeObservational study·DateApr 22, 2024

Smartphone swabs provide convenient toxicology testing

A new study published in Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine reveals that smartphone swabs can successfully detect drugs on phone surfaces. The method, which uses dry swabs, identified MDMA, cocaine, and THC as the most common substances, with other drugs including ketamine, LSD, and heroin also detected.

SourceDe Gruyter·JournalClinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (CCLM)·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 22, 2024

AI weather forecasts captured Ciaran’s destructive path

A new study by the University of Reading demonstrated that AI weather forecasts can predict storm paths and intensities with similar accuracy to traditional models. However, AI systems underestimated Storm Ciaran's maximum wind speeds due to limitations in predicting certain atmospheric features.

SourceUniversity of Reading·Journalnpj Climate and Atmospheric Science·TypeObservational study·DateApr 22, 2024

Magnetic with a pinch of hydrogen

A German-American research team has developed an innovative idea to improve the properties of ultra-thin magnetic materials by reacting them with hydrogen. The researchers have identified three promising candidates that can be magnetically activated by hydrogen passivation, paving the way for new types of electronic components.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalNano Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 22, 2024

Life goals and their changes drive success

A new study from the University of Houston reveals that adolescents' life goals, particularly those related to education and prestige, have a significant impact on their educational attainment and occupational outcomes. As people grow older, these goals tend to become more important, with changes in them predicting later success.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateApr 22, 2024

Hey Dave, I’ve got an idea for you. What’s the potential of AI-led workshopping?

Researchers used freely available AI chatbots to simulate a multidisciplinary workshop and found consistency in responses suggesting an online platform for pain science education. The study highlights the potential of AI to contribute to educational strategies and clinical research, leveling the field for resource-limited settings.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalJournal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy·TypeObservational study·DateApr 22, 2024

Study shows: 2D materials rotate light polarization

A German-Indian research team has achieved a significant breakthrough in developing miniaturized optical isolators by utilizing ultra-thin two-dimensional materials. The researchers successfully rotated the polarization of visible light by several degrees under small magnetic fields, paving the way for on-chip integration of optical co...

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 22, 2024

New research unveils three distinct language comprehension phenotypes in autistic children

A new study published in npj Mental Health Research reveals three distinct language comprehension mechanisms in autistic children, challenging the common linear trajectory of language development. The findings support the idea that intensive language therapy should start earlier and highlight the importance of improving language compre...

SourceBoston University·Journalnpj Mental Health Research·TypeObservational study·DateApr 22, 2024

Mount Sinai scientists discover the cellular functions of a family of proteins integral to inflammatory diseases

Researchers revealed the biological mechanisms by which class II HDACs activate Th17 cell differentiation, leading to inflammation. A potent inhibitor, TMP269, was found to influence Th17 cell differentiation in a mouse model of ulcerative colitis, providing potential therapeutic approach for IBD treatment.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 22, 2024

Study finds COVID-19 pandemic led to some, but not many, developmental milestone delays in infants and young children

A study by Johns Hopkins Children's Center found that the COVID-19 pandemic caused modest delays in developmental milestones for infants and young children. The researchers analyzed data from over 50,000 children aged 0-5 years and found small decreases in communication, problem-solving, and personal-social skills.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateApr 22, 2024

Japan’s premodern concept of nature at root of distinctive mindset in early childhood education

A new study reveals that Japan's traditional concept of nature, dating back to the premodern era, shapes the country's early childhood education philosophy. This approach emphasizes a balance between self-guided action and entrusting oneself to external forces, guided by principles similar to Sozo Kurahashi's 'yūdō' theory.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalHistory of Education·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 22, 2024

KIER accelerates international cooperation on 'clean energy' with Europe's largest research institute

The Korea Institute of Energy Research (KIER) signed MOUs with Forschungszentrum Jülich and Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin for Materials and Energy, promoting joint research in clean energy and low-carbon technologies. The partnership aims to advance scientific and technological competitiveness through information and personnel exchanges.

New metasurface innovation unlocks precision control in wireless signals

The new metasurface technology offers independent control of beam scanning and polarization conversion, boosting signal strength and efficiency in wireless networks. This innovation has vast implications for radar systems, wireless communication, high-resolution imaging, and environmental monitoring.

More economical and sustainable rechargeable batteries

Researchers have created a more economical and sustainable rechargeable battery using an ultralow-concentration electrolyte. The new electrolyte, based on lithium difluoro(oxalato)borate and ethyl carbonate/dimethyl carbonate, has a record-breaking low salt content while maintaining high ionic conductivity.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 22, 2024

Study identifies signs of repeated blast-related brain injury in active-duty United States Special Operations Forces

Researchers found structural, functional, and neuroimmune brain alterations associated with higher blast exposure, impacting health-related quality of life. The frontal lobe's rostral anterior cingulate cortex (rACC) was particularly sensitive to blast waves.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeImaging analysis·DateApr 22, 2024

Spanish scientists identify the key cell type for strategies to prevent atherosclerosis in progeria syndrome

Researchers discovered that eliminating progerin from vascular smooth muscle cells prevents atherosclerosis and improves life expectancy in HGPSrev mice. This finding suggests a potential therapeutic strategy for treating progeria, an extremely rare genetic disease affecting 1 in every 20 million people.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 22, 2024

Bringing bio-inspired robots to life

Eric Markvicka is developing a manufacturing approach to produce novel liquid metal mixtures with enhanced properties, including thermal and electrical conductivity. These mixtures can be used in additive manufacturing and accelerate momentum toward 4D printing, enabling the creation of machines that mimic biological organisms.

This alloy is kinky

Researchers discovered an alloy with exceptional strength and toughness across a wide temperature range, outperforming even cryogenic steels. The alloy's unique properties are attributed to the formation of rare kink bands that enable it to resist bending and fracture.

First Nations patients leave ED without completing treatment more than comparable non–First Nations patients

A new study found that First Nations patients in Alberta are more likely to leave emergency departments without completing treatment, with 6.8% of visits ending in incomplete care compared to 3.7% for non-First Nations patients. Racism and stereotyping, as well as communication issues, transportation barriers, and wait times, were iden...

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeObservational study·DateApr 22, 2024

Pressure in the womb may influence facial development

A recent study published in Nature Cell Biology found that increased hydrostatic pressure can hinder the healthy development of neural crest cells, leading to an increased risk of facial malformations. The researchers suggest that physical cues in the womb, such as pressure, may play a role in shaping facial features.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Cell Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 22, 2024

Bonobos aren’t as peace-loving as we thought

A new Harvard study reveals that male bonobos engage in more acts of aggression than chimpanzees, contrary to their peaceful reputation. The researchers found that bonobos exhibit less sexual coercion and violence towards females, but more frequent 'squabbling' among males.

SourceHarvard University·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeObservational study·DateApr 22, 2024

Switching off the light to see better

Researchers from Osaka University have developed a new approach for super-resolution microscopy that can observe dense microstructures inside cells with excellent sharpness. By selecting only a desired plane to image using thin 'light sheet' illumination, they were able to achieve background-free super-resolution imaging.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Methods·TypeImaging analysis·DateApr 22, 2024

Cleveland clinic researchers use AI to improve Alzheimer’s treatment through the ‘gut-brain axis’

Researchers used machine learning to analyze over 1.09 million potential metabolite-receptor pairs and predict the likelihood that each interaction contributed to Alzheimer's disease. The study found a protective metabolite called agmatine interacting with a receptor called CA3R in brain cells, reducing CA3R levels and lowering phospho...

SourceCleveland Clinic·JournalCell Reports·DateApr 22, 2024

Enjoying nature shown to lower inflammation levels

A study published by Cornell University researchers found that more frequent positive contact with nature is associated with reduced inflammation levels. The study, which analyzed data from the Midlife in the U.S. survey, suggests that enjoying nature can help prevent or manage diseases linked to chronic inflammation.

SourceCornell University·JournalBrain Behavior and Immunity·DateApr 22, 2024

National Jewish Health researchers identify connection between air pollutants and allergic diseases

A new study by National Jewish Health researchers found that air pollutants can disrupt the skin barrier, contributing to the development and exacerbation of allergic diseases. The study's findings highlight the importance of minimizing exposure to pollutants from an early age, with potential long-term effects on future generations.

SourceNational Jewish Health·JournalAnnals of Allergy Asthma & Immunology·DateApr 22, 2024

New logarithmic step size for stochastic gradient descent

A new logarithmic step size strategy for stochastic gradient descent (SGD) is introduced to address the challenge of probability distribution, improving performance in critical concluding iterations. Numerical results show significant improvements in test accuracy, particularly on the CIFAR100 dataset with a convolutional neural networ...

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Computer Science·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 22, 2024

Research showcases Indigenous stewardship’s role in forest ecosystem resilience

A new computer simulation model highlights the importance of cultural burning in maintaining forest ecosystem health. Researchers found that Indigenous fire stewardship was extensive across a landscape in northern California before European colonization, with an estimated 6,972 cultural ignitions occurring annually.

SourceOregon State University·JournalEcological Applications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 22, 2024

Being treated by a female physician associated with lower risk for death

An observational study of over 700,000 patients found that female physicians treated male and female patients with lower mortality and readmission rates. The effect was particularly pronounced in female patients treated by female physicians, possibly due to patient-centered communication and reduced sociocultural taboos.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateApr 22, 2024

Chinese Medical Journal review article highlights the potential and promise of CAR-T cell therapy in autoimmune diseases

Researchers have identified CAR-T cell therapy as a potential treatment for autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, SLE, and type 1 Diabetes Mellitus. Early studies have shown promising results in reducing disease activity and improving patients' quality of life, but long-term data on safety and efficacy is limited.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 22, 2024

Treatment from female doctors leads to lower mortality and hospital readmission rates

Research suggests that female physicians have a clinically significant impact on patient outcomes, with lower mortality and readmission rates compared to male doctors. Female patients benefit more significantly from treatment by female physicians, possibly due to better communication and understanding of sensitive health issues.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateApr 22, 2024

European union should adopt a research-based approach to ensure the quality and safety of substances of human origin

The European Union is urged to adopt a balanced, empirically sound approach to regulate substances of human origin. Properly devised rewards increase supply without compromising quality and safety. The EU's new regulation should prioritize self-sufficiency while ensuring safe and accessible supplies for all in need.

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·JournalBMJ Global Health·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 22, 2024

European Court of Human Rights is “backsliding” on legal protections for asylum seekers, study says

A new study by Dr. Ben Hudson from the University of Exeter Law School criticizes the European Court of Human Rights for reversing its principles on protecting asylum seekers. The research finds that the court has become uncertain about what makes an applicant 'sufficiently vulnerable' to receive special protection.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalInternational Journal of Law in Context·DateApr 22, 2024

A new Spanish study provides the first stratification of the risk of developing dilated cardiomyopathy among symptom-free genetic carriers

A new Spanish study provides the first stratification of the risk of developing dilated cardiomyopathy among symptom-free genetic carriers. Researchers found that nearly 11% of genetic carriers developed the disease within a median follow-up period of 37 months.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·TypeObservational study·DateApr 22, 2024

Tropical fish are invading Australian ocean water

A University of Adelaide study found that climate change is helping tropical fish species invade temperate Australian waters. The warming current keeps baby fish warm, increasing their survival chances. As temperatures rise, these tropical fish will eventually grow to their full size and compete with native fish for resources.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalJournal of Animal Ecology·TypeObservational study·DateApr 22, 2024

Family learning environments in Scandinavia: dimensions, types and socioeconomic profiles

Researchers identified four types of family learning environments in Scandinavian families, shaped by parental values and socioeconomic status. The study found that family activities, emotional climate, and everyday organisation play a crucial role in shaping children's learning environments. Four categories were developed: Expansive C...

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalBritish Journal of Sociology of Education·TypeObservational study·DateApr 22, 2024

New writing therapy helps late-stage cancer patients face biggest fears

A new clinical trial reveals that a novel writing therapy can significantly reduce cancer-related trauma, depression, anxiety, and hopelessness in late-stage cancer patients. By confronting their greatest fears through written exposure-based coping (EASE), participants experience improved mental well-being.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalJournal of Palliative Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateApr 22, 2024