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Science News for April 3, 2024


SUNY ESF leads groundbreaking research in groundwater’s role in ecosystem sustainability

The study examined the relationship between groundwater and ecosystems across California, identifying thresholds of vegetation greenness and groundwater depth that can determine groundwater needs for ecosystems. Groundwater-dependent ecosystems play a crucial role in biodiversity, and the research provides a data-driven foundation to g...

SourceSUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry·JournalNature Water·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 3, 2024

Life expectancy increased as world addressed major killers including diarrhea, lower respiratory infections, and stroke

The study found that reductions in deaths from chronic respiratory diseases, stroke, lower respiratory infections, and cancer led to the largest net gain in life expectancy between 1990 and 2021. The super-region of Southeast Asia, East Asia, and Oceania had the largest net gain, while South Asia had the second-largest increase primari...

Demand for critical minerals puts African Great Apes at risk

A recent study reveals that the demand for critical minerals in Africa is putting African Great Apes at risk due to deforestation and habitat destruction. The study estimates that more than 180,000 gorillas, bonobos, and chimpanzees are at risk, with West African countries like Guinea being the most severely affected.

SourceGerman Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig·JournalScience Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 3, 2024

Genetic analysis reveals true origin of chronic kidney disease in undiagnosed patients

Researchers discovered that known genetic variants account for a large portion of chronic kidney diseases with unknown origin. The study found that 10% of patients had pathogenic variants in CKD-causing genes, and some hereditary renal diseases could be diagnosed and treated early on to slow down disease progression.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalKidney International Reports·DateApr 3, 2024

New paradigm of peace through health: Traditional medicine meditation in the prevention of collective stress, violence, and war

A new paradigm of peace through health is proposed by integrating traditional meditation practices into public health initiatives. Research demonstrates significant reductions in crime rates and war intensity when relatively small groups engage in meditation practices.

SourceMaharishi International University·JournalFrontiers in Public Health·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateApr 3, 2024

Relative deficiency in immune cells can account for poorer vaccination responses in the older population

A study found that older adults have weaker T cell responses to COVID-19 mRNA vaccinations, resulting in poorer antibody responses and SARS-CoV-2 immune protection. The study suggests a relative deficiency in interferon-gamma-secreting CD4+ T cells may explain this response.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalAging Cell·TypeObservational study·DateApr 3, 2024

Air quality in schools: Shielding kids with intellectual and developmental disabilities from COVID

Researchers discovered that good airflow and filtration in schools can significantly reduce COVID-19 infections among children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The study found that classrooms with high-efficiency air filters had lower infection rates, highlighting the importance of improved ventilation systems.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateApr 3, 2024

Out of the park: New research tallies total carbon impact of tourism at Yellowstone

Researchers estimated that recreation visits to Yellowstone produce over one megaton of carbon emissions per year, with an average of 479 kilograms attributable to each visitor. Despite this, the park's ecosystems still pull in around 1.5 megatons of carbon from the atmosphere each year.

Paper: Policy reforms urgently needed to mitigate racial disparities in perinatal mental health conditions

Researchers propose seven comprehensive changes to healthcare and economic policies to mitigate the burden of undiagnosed and untreated perinatal mental health challenges. These recommendations include training programs, payment models, paid family leave, and access to reproductive justice services.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalHealth Affairs·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateApr 3, 2024

New Sylvester study targets major risk factor for gastric cancer

A new study from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine shows that community-based screening and treatment for Helicobacter pylori bacterium infection can identify and eliminate high-risk individuals. The approach aims to prevent gastric cancer in vulnerable populations, including Blacks, Asians, and Latinos.

SourceUniversity of Miami Miller School of Medicine·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateApr 3, 2024

Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology researchers discover novel drug candidate to combat fatty liver disease

Researchers at Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST) have discovered a novel compound, 11c, a 5HT2A antagonist, which exhibits robust biological activity and a favorable safety profile. The compound has shown promising efficacy in preclinical models and is poised to advance the treatment of metabolic liver diseases.

SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 3, 2024

Boomerang children, bamboccioni, nestlings. Should the law regulate relations between parents and their co-residing children?

A growing number of young adults live with their parents beyond the age of majority, raising questions about economic dependence, self-confidence, and social relations. Dr. Daniela Wybrańczyk argues that legal regulations could provide a practical solution to these issues, potentially changing the trend of delayed adulthood.

SourceSWPS University·JournalFamily & Law·DateApr 3, 2024

Study of MADS-box genes in passion fruit (passiflora edulis) illuminates plant organ development and stress responses

This study explores the MADS-box gene family in passion fruit, revealing their role in floral organ morphology, non-floral organ development, and stress responses. The analysis identifies specific genes involved in regulating floral structure and highlights the adaptability of these genes to environmental stimuli.

SourceMaximum Academic Press·JournalTropical Plants·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 3, 2024

Novel high entropy alloy nanoparticle catalysts for growing high-density carbon nanotubes

Researchers from Meijo University developed a new catalyst using high entropy alloy nanoparticles to grow high-density carbon nanotubes. The study shows that the unique surface structure of HEA NPs provides various active sites for catalytic reactions, resulting in higher catalytic activity than individual metals.

SourceMeijo University·JournalChemical Physics Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 3, 2024

Researchers uncover a potential method for interrupting the misfolding of tau protein that underlies neurodegenerative disease

A team of researchers found potential ways to interrupt the misfolding of tau proteins by targeting sticky sites along the long form of mutated tau, preventing neurofibrillary tangles. This breakthrough could lead to therapeutic interventions capable of disaggregating or preventing tau aggregation.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 3, 2024

Pressured to become the organizer

Researchers found that mechanical pressure inside the growing tissue determines the location of signaling centers, crucial for organ formation. These centers send signals to organize surrounding cells, and their correct placement is vital for healthy embryonic development.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateApr 3, 2024

Machine learning enables viability of vertical-axis wind turbines

Researchers at EPFL have developed a genetic learning algorithm to identify optimal pitch profiles for VAWT blades, increasing turbine efficiency by 200% and reducing vibrations by 77%. This innovation addresses the engineering problem of air flow control and has the potential to bring efficient VAWT technology to maturity.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 3, 2024

New study shows LLMs respond differently based on user’s motivation

A new study published in JAMIA found that large language models (LLMs) respond variably to users' motivations, with better results for committed individuals. LLMs struggle to provide relevant information and support for those hesitant to change behavior, highlighting a major gap in their capabilities.

SourceUniversity of Illinois School of Information Sciences·JournalJournal of the American Medical Informatics Association·TypeContent analysis·DateApr 3, 2024

High-speed railway track components inspection framework based on YOLOv8 with high-performance model deployment

A new study introduces a high-performance rail inspection system using YOLOv8 for fast and accurate defect detection. The system achieved up to 281.06 FPS on desktop systems and 200.26 FPS on edge computing platforms, increasing processing speeds while maintaining high accuracy levels.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalHigh-speed Railway·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 3, 2024

Novel fabrication technique takes transition metal telluride nanosheets from lab to mass production

Researchers have developed a novel technique to produce high-quality transition metal telluride nanosheets using chemical solutions, overcoming the challenges of scalability and toxicity. The technique enables the mass production of these ultra-thin materials with potential applications in electronics, energy storage, and sensing.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalNature·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateApr 3, 2024

UConn researchers closer to near real-time disaster monitoring

A team of UConn researchers has developed a method to drastically cut the lag time for assessing disasters, bringing disturbance assessment closer to near real-time monitoring. By applying machine learning and retrospective chart review techniques, they can detect changes in remote sensing data much faster than current methods.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalRemote Sensing of Environment·TypeImaging analysis·DateApr 3, 2024

Water-based paints: Less stinky, but some still contain potentially hazardous chemicals

A recent study found that some water-based paints contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other chemicals of emerging concern. The research, published in ACS' Environmental Science & Technology Letters, analyzed the composition of 40 top-selling water-based paints and discovered varying levels of potentially hazardous compounds.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·DateApr 3, 2024

Like sands through the hourglass – but not quite

Scientists from the University of Amsterdam and Chile have created a new type of granular material that can be compressed and still flow like a liquid. This breakthrough has significant potential for applications such as shock dampening, where the material can absorb and distribute energy more consistently.

SourceUniversiteit van Amsterdam·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 3, 2024

Tree of life for modern birds revealed

A team of scientists has reconstructed the bird family tree using genomic data from over 360 species and nearly 200 fossilized birds. The study found that most modern bird groups appeared within a small evolutionary window, supporting the idea that birds thrived after dinosaurs went extinct.

SourceAustralian Museum·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 3, 2024

New insights into cholesterol dynamics shed light on neurodegenerative disease

A study published in PNAS reveals the structure of a protein linked to neurodegenerative disease Niemann-Pick type C, which accumulates cholesterol within cellular compartments. The research sheds light on the complex mechanism of cholesterol distribution and its role in maintaining optimal levels.

SourceAarhus University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 3, 2024

Depression during pregnancy is tied to increased emergency department visits for infants after birth

A Rutgers Health study has found that mothers with mild and moderate to severe depressive symptoms have more emergency department visits for their infants. Infants of mothers with moderate to severe depression had 21% more visits than those without any symptoms, while those with mild symptoms had 10% more visits.

SourceRutgers University·JournalHealth Affairs·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 3, 2024

Enhancing grassland sustainability: Strategies to delay leaf senescence in forage and turf grasses

Researchers explored strategies to slow down leaf aging in forage and turf grass species, highlighting the role of regulating leaf senescence. The review emphasizes the importance of genetic research to develop effective methods for delaying leaf senescence, potentially increasing biomass yield, quality, and stress tolerance.

SourceMaximum Academic Press·JournalGrass Research·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 3, 2024

Fuel Cells: Oxidation processes of phosphoric acid revealed by tender X-rays

Researchers have decoded the multiple oxidation processes at the platinum-electrolyte interface in high-temperature PEM fuel cells using tender X-ray studies. The results show that variations in humidity can influence some of these processes to increase the lifetime and efficiency of fuel cells.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 3, 2024

Users actively seek and share child sexual abuse material on Tor – but help is available to those willing to stop

A recent study on the Tor network found that one in five onion domains shared child sexual abuse material. The researchers also discovered that users sought CSAM through popular search engines and found that viewing violent material correlates with addiction, while seeking help is often hindered by lack of resources.

SourceTampere University·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 3, 2024

Study finds high amounts of silica exposure in previously deployed military veterans

A new study published in International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health reveals high levels of silica and other silicates in the lungs of military veterans who have deployed since 2001. This research highlights the importance of controlling particulate exposures in military occupational settings to minimize risk for ...

SourceNational Jewish Health·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateApr 3, 2024

Deciphering genomic language: New AI system unlocks biology’s source code

An interdisciplinary team of researchers developed an AI system capable of deciphering genomic language and understanding its functional and regulatory grammar. The Genomic Language Model (gLM) learns from highly diverse metagenomic data, providing insights into gene functions, regulation, and evolutionary relationships.

New molecular compound designed with technological applications at the nanoscale

A team of researchers from the University of Barcelona has developed a new molecular compound that can be used as a magnetic surface coolant, which could lead to lower temperatures in electronic circuits or devices. The compound, composed of gadolinium ions, exhibits a magnetocaloric effect and high magnetic entropy.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry A·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 3, 2024

Women with serious mental illness want pregnancy information, resources from mental health providers

Research highlights gaps in information, support, and resources for women with serious mental illness who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy. The study found that few women recalled discussions of pregnancy with their mental health providers and were dissatisfied with the information they received about potential safety concerns.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalHealth Affairs·TypeSurvey·DateApr 3, 2024

New sunflower family tree reveals multiple origins of flower symmetry

A new analysis of the sunflower family tree shows that flower symmetry evolved multiple times independently among its members. The research, led by Penn State biologist Hong Ma, used low-coverage genome sequences to increase the number of species available for comparison and resolved more of the finer branches of the family tree.

SourcePenn State·JournalPlant Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 3, 2024

AI helps to detect invasive Asian hornets

Researchers have developed VespAI, an automated system that attracts hornets to a monitoring station and captures standardized images using an overhead camera. The system uses AI algorithm to identify the species with almost perfect accuracy, allowing authorities to mount a rapid response.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalCommunications Biology·DateApr 3, 2024

First time moms with breech pregnancies experience reduced risk of complications if they plan cesarean rather than vaginal delivery - but have increased risk of uterus rupture in subsequent pregnancies

Researchers found that first-time mothers carrying a breech baby may experience reduced risks if they choose a planned cesarean delivery instead of attempting a vaginal birth. However, these women also have an elevated risk of experiencing uterine rupture during their next pregnancy.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 3, 2024

Climate change impacts terrorist activity

Researchers found a correlation between climatological variables and shifting patterns of terrorist activity in India. The study suggests that climate change is not just an environmental issue but also linked to national security.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalJournal of Applied Security Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 3, 2024

JAMA paper: In people with opioid use disorder, telemedicine treatment for HCV was more than twice as successful as off-site referral

A study by University at Buffalo researchers found that 90.3% of participants receiving telemedicine treatment were cured of HCV, compared to 39.4% in the control group. The researchers also found significant improvements in health and well-being after HCV treatment.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalJAMA·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 3, 2024

Are universities connected to local sustainability? A new study suggests yes…and no.

A new study reveals a strong correlation between universities' sustainability performance and local innovation, while showing little connection to community environmental sustainability. The research suggests universities contribute to economic development, but struggle to drive broader sustainable transformations.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalInternational Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 3, 2024

Regulation of carotenoid metabolism in Zinnia elegans by carotenoid cleavage dioxygenase

This study explores the role of Zinnia elegans carotenoid cleavage dioxygenases (ZeCCDs) in regulating carotenoid metabolism and petal coloration. The results show that ZeCCD4-2 plays a crucial role in carotenoid cleavage and accumulation, highlighting its importance in understanding the molecular mechanism of petal coloration.

SourceMaximum Academic Press·JournalOrnamental Plant Research·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 3, 2024

JAX researchers make mice a more powerful tool to study a wide range of human diseases

JAX researchers develop platform to mimic genetic diversity in humans, allowing for precise modeling of disease mechanisms and therapeutic targets. The platform enables direct comparison between mouse and human cells, providing molecular insights into autism, intellectual disability, and other neurodevelopmental disorders.

SourceJackson Laboratory·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 3, 2024

New study highlights that less affluent countries are more prone to damage caused by biological invasions despite lower trade volume

A new study reveals that less affluent countries are more prone to damage caused by biological invasions, with average costs exceeding $26.8 billion annually globally. Wealthier nations can mitigate this issue by investing in invasive species management in neighboring countries.

SourceFlinders University·JournalEcological Economics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 3, 2024

Extending Medicaid coverage after birth may increase postpartum treatment for depression, anxiety

A new study found that extending Medicaid eligibility for birthing people increases treatment for perinatal mood and anxiety disorder by 20.5 percentage points, compared to those with commercial insurance. Retaining postpartum Medicaid coverage also significantly lowers patients' out-of-pocket spending for mental healthcare.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalHealth Affairs·TypeObservational study·DateApr 3, 2024

Magnetic fields boost clean energy

EPFL researchers have developed a novel approach to boost electrocatalysis using magnetic fields, enhancing the movement of reactants and improving reaction efficiency. This innovation has significant potential to revolutionize energy conversion technologies and increase sustainable fuel production, mitigating climate change.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 3, 2024

Lower income US adults were left behind as the rest of the United States experienced large declines in heart attack and stroke risk over three decades

A new study reveals that cardiovascular benefits were only experienced by higher-income populations, while lower-income groups saw stagnant or worsening health risks. The study suggests that improving access to healthcare and social determinants of health is crucial for addressing these inequalities.

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalCirculation Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes·DateApr 3, 2024

Study finds gunshots in American cities twice as likely at night, potentially disrupting sleep for those in earshot

A new study found that nighttime gunshots are twice as common as daytime gunshots in American cities, potentially disrupting the sleep of nearby residents due to loud sirens. Low-income neighborhoods are disproportionately affected by these sounds, with millions of person nights potentially impacted annually.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateApr 3, 2024

Enhancing hypoxia-activated prodrug anticancer therapy: amplified active targeting, enhanced drug activation, and increased hypoxic cytotoxicity

Scientists have developed a new universal nanosystem to enhance the efficacy of tirapazamine (TPZ) in cancer treatment. The system combines a tumor microenvironment remodeling agent with a TPZ derivative, resulting in increased hypoxic cytotoxicity and improved targeting ability.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateApr 3, 2024