Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for April 4, 2024


Few newly diagnosed type 2 diabetics succeed in losing weight – weight gain linked to much higher risk of complications

A Finnish study found that only 10% of newly diagnosed type 2 diabetics lost weight, while 3% gained weight, highlighting the challenges of achieving weight loss in these patients. The study also showed a strong association between weight gain and increased risk of microvascular and macrovascular complications.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalClinical Epidemiology·DateApr 4, 2024

Feeling the music

A new study found that fluctuations in music chord predictions evoke specific bodily sensations, particularly in the heart and abdomen. Researchers also discovered a link between these sensations and feelings of pleasure, which could have applications for using music to improve well-being.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 4, 2024

Small protein plays big role in chronic HIV infection

A study published in Brain, Behavior, and Immunity found that normal levels of interferon-β are required for normal memory function, and its absence changes nerve cell components in a sex-dependent fashion. The research also showed that higher or lower than normal levels of interferon-β affect the brain in a sex-dependent manner.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalBrain Behavior and Immunity·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 4, 2024

Study: Suicides among college athletes doubled in 20 years

A study found that the number of U.S. collegiate athletes who died by suicide doubled between 2002 and 2022, accounting for a greater portion of total deaths. Athletes' mental health issues were attributed to pressures such as school expectations, performance demands, and social media scrutiny.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateApr 4, 2024

Scientists call for urgent action to prevent immune-mediated illnesses caused by climate change and biodiversity loss

Climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss are damaging our immune systems, increasing the risk of diseases like asthma and cancer. Improving the environment offers effective protection and can have a powerful return on investment, saving $3 in healthcare costs for every $1 spent on mitigation.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Science·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 4, 2024

New privacy-preserving robotic cameras obscure images beyond human recognition

Researchers at the University of Sydney and Queensland University of Technology have developed a new approach to designing cameras that process and scramble visual information. The approach, known as 'sighted systems,' creates distorted images that can still be used by robots to complete tasks but do not compromise privacy.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalJournal of Responsible Technology·TypeImaging analysis·DateApr 4, 2024

How youth and women are key to Senegal’s farming future

A new survey reveals a significant knowledge gap about women and youth farming practices in Senegal, despite their crucial role in agriculture. The study highlights opportunities for training, access to efficient markets, and climate information services to improve agricultural skills and boost productivity.

GIST researchers find the link between human activity and shifting weather patterns in western North America

Western North America experiences more extreme weather events due to warming climate and changes in atmospheric circulation patterns, according to a study by GIST researchers. The study found that greenhouse gas emissions play a significant role in driving shifts in the jet stream, leading to more frequent extreme hydroclimatic events.

SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·Journalnpj Climate and Atmospheric Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 4, 2024

The abundance of trypanosoma cruzi in naturally infected dogs and monkeys provides unique opportunities to advance solutions for Chagas disease

The article discusses the high prevalence of Trypanosoma cruzi in naturally infected dogs and monkeys in the US, which can inform human infection detection and treatment strategies. This abundance provides a unique opportunity to advance solutions for Chagas disease, as information from other species can directly inform researchers on ...

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalZoonoses·DateApr 4, 2024

Attack and defence in the microverse

Researchers discovered that tiny RNA molecules play a decisive role in the complex interaction of attack and defence strategies when bacteria are infected with bacteriophages. The study found that these RNA molecules regulate phage genes as well as host genes, effectively explaining the destruction of bacterial cells.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 4, 2024

Data-driven polarimetric imaging

This novel approach combines data-driven deep learning with polarization imaging to extract higher-dimensional features and improve imaging quality. The integration of polarization information expands the application scope of existing intensity-based deep learning algorithms.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalOpto-Electronic Science·DateApr 4, 2024

Discovery into how chronic lung conditions affect children’s immune system

Researchers at Murdoch Children's Research Institute have made a breakthrough discovery that suppurative lung disease and wheezing have the same inflammatory profiles despite their differing symptoms. The study found two treatable endotypes of childhood respiratory diseases, with targeted anti-inflammatory treatments showing promise.

SourceMurdoch Childrens Research Institute·JournalMucosal Immunology·TypeObservational study·DateApr 4, 2024

KAIST researchers developed a novel ultra-low power memory for neuromorphic computing​

Researchers at KAIST have developed a novel ultra-low power memory device that can replace existing memory or be used in implementing neuromorphic computing. The new phase change memory device consumes 15 times less power than conventional devices, enabling the development of low-cost and energy-efficient artificial intelligence hardware.

Self-polarized RGB device realized by semipolar micro-LEDs and perovskite-in-polymer films for backlight applications

A new device achieves high-performance, stable RGB polarization with semipolar blue micro-LEDs and perovskite color conversion layers. The device exhibits significantly polarized PL emission with a DOLP of approximately 0.44. Perovskite-in-polymer films show enhanced stability and high photoluminescence quantum yield.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalOpto-Electronic Advances·DateApr 4, 2024

Researchers at UMass Amherst are listening in on the world’s rulers—insects—to better gauge environmental health

Researchers at UMass Amherst have identified the most effective AI method for monitoring insect populations using bioacoustics, with deep learning models achieving high accuracy. The study found that machine and deep learning are becoming the gold standards for automated bioacoustics modeling.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateApr 4, 2024

Feeding the lonely brain

A new study found that lonely women exhibit increased activity in brain regions associated with food cravings and motivation towards eating high-calorie foods. The researchers also discovered a link between social isolation, obesity, and poor mental health, highlighting the importance of holistic interventions to break the cycle.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJAMA·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 4, 2024

Trinity research offers insight into the future understanding of MS and its treatments

A team of researchers at Trinity College Dublin has developed a new blood test that measures the immune response to Epstein Barr Virus (EBV), which is the leading risk factor for multiple sclerosis (MS). The study found that people with MS have a higher immune response to EBNA-1, a part of the EBV, compared to those without MS.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalNeurology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 4, 2024

Pump-probe imaging and formation mechanisms of femtosecond laser-induced high spatial frequency periodic structures on silicon surfaces

Femtosecond laser-induced high spatial frequency periodic structures (HSFL) have significant applications in surface structural color, information storage, and enhanced emission. Researchers propose a mechanism for HSFL formation, involving nano voids, amorphous molten silicon, and thermodynamic effects.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalOpto-Electronic Science·DateApr 4, 2024

Pediatric investigation study sheds light on new assessment tool for identifying infants with tongue tie requiring frenotomy

A study developed a new referral pathway and Frenotomy Assessment Tool to identify breastfed babies with tongue tie requiring frenotomy. The tool found that 11% of breastfed babies had TT and 66% underwent frenotomy, suggesting that most infants were suffering from the condition.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalPediatric Investigation·TypeObservational study·DateApr 4, 2024

The life aquatic: A game changer for frog vision, but little difference between night and day, York-led study finds

A new study led by York University found that frogs' visual pigments reflect the diversity of their environments, with little difference between diurnal and nocturnal species. The research suggests that even diurnal animals may have inherited night vision adaptations from their ancestors to survive in low-light conditions.

SourceYork University·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateApr 4, 2024

Simultaneously realizing thermal and electromagnetic cloaking by multi-physical null medium

Researchers propose a thermal-electromagnetic null medium to control temperature fields and electromagnetic waves simultaneously, enabling the design of on-chip devices with improved electromagnetic compatibility and heat dissipation. The proposed surface transformation method allows for the creation of thermal-electromagnetic cloaks t...

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalOpto-Electronic Science·DateApr 4, 2024

Minority of adults with hearing loss who could benefit from cochlear implants get referred for procedure, with men, those living in deprived areas & those identifying as Asian or Black being especially unlikely to be told of their eligibility or referred

A multicentre observational study found socioeconomic and ethnic disparities in access to cochlear implantation among UK adults. Men, those living in deprived areas, and Asian/Black individuals were less likely to be referred for the procedure, highlighting disparities in healthcare access.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateApr 4, 2024

Organoids reveal how to protect the brain against dementia and ALS following traumatic injury, according to USC Stem Cell study

A traumatic brain injury quadruples the risk of developing dementia and neurodegenerative diseases like ALS. USC scientists used lab-grown human brain structures called organoids to study TBI's effects. They identified a gene, KCNJ2, that helps protect nerve cells against injury.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalCell Stem Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 4, 2024

Tracing the largest solar storm in modern times from tree rings in Lapland

Researchers from the University of Helsinki used tree ring analysis to measure radiocarbon concentration after a massive solar storm, revealing new insights into atmospheric dynamics. The study provides valuable information on how to prepare for future threats from solar storms, which could disrupt electrical and mobile networks.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 4, 2024

New study shows eating beans and chickpeas is linked to better diet quality and healthier body weights

A new study by the Ginger Network reveals that incorporating more beans and chickpeas into one's diet can lead to improved overall diet quality and healthier body weights. The research found that adult diets with higher bean intake resulted in lower added sugar consumption and reduced nutrient shortfalls.

SourceThe Ginger Network·JournalNutrition Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 4, 2024

Fontan circulation link to changes in the genetic code may lead to new treatment for heart conditions

Researchers found a link between Fontan circulation and accelerated epigenetic aging, which can cause complications like osteoporosis and renal impairment. The study suggests this acceleration starts in childhood and continues into adulthood, with potential new treatment opportunities to delay progression.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalJACC Advances·TypeObservational study·DateApr 4, 2024

Perinatal women of Mexican descent propose solutions to pandemic-related stressors affecting Latinos

Perinatal Mexican-American women discussed challenges facing their families during the pandemic, including accessing food, medical information, and mental health treatment. The study recommended actionable policies and programs to meet the needs of Latino communities during future emergencies.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalHealth Affairs·TypeSurvey·DateApr 4, 2024

Nerve stimulation for sleep apnea is less effective for people with higher BMIs

A new study from Washington University School of Medicine found that nerve-stimulation treatment for obstructive sleep apnea is less effective for people with higher BMIs. The study analyzed data from 76 patients with BMIs of less than 35 and showed that the likelihood of successful treatment drops significantly as weight increases.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery·TypeObservational study·DateApr 4, 2024

Novel biological mechanism discovered that could lead to new treatments for neurological disorders, cancers

Researchers at Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago have identified a novel biological mechanism that regulates mitochondrial function through RNA methylation. This finding holds promise for developing new treatments for neurological diseases like spinal muscular atrophy and autism, as well as various cancers.

SourceAnn & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago·JournalHuman Molecular Genetics·DateApr 4, 2024

Fans are not a magic bullet for beating the heat!

Researchers at the University of Ottawa found that fans do improve sweat evaporation but provide only a small fraction of air conditioning's cooling power. The study advises against relying on fans during extreme heat events, especially for vulnerable populations.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·TypeMeta-analysis·DateApr 4, 2024

Ocean floor a 'reservoir' of plastic pollution, world-first study finds

A new study by CSIRO Australia and University of Toronto estimates that between 3-11 million metric tonnes of plastic pollution are sinking to the ocean floor. The research suggests that the ocean floor has become a reservoir for most plastic pollution, with plastic clusters around continents.

SourceCSIRO Australia·JournalDeep Sea Research Part I Oceanographic Research Papers·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 4, 2024

"Drop industrial agriculture": Major study reports that people and environment both benefit from diversified farming, while bottom lines also thrive

A new global study by the University of Copenhagen and University of Hohenheim finds that diversified agriculture improves food security, biodiversity, and well-being while having no negative effect on yields. Strategies such as livestock diversification and soil conservation yield positive outcomes.