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Science News for August 1, 2024


Warming stops tiny organisms working together

A study by University of Exeter scientists found that warming conditions can break the symbiotic relationship between single-celled organisms and algae, leading to a loss of productivity in these relationships. This has serious implications for global photosynthesis rates, particularly in coral reefs.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalAquatic Biology·DateAug 1, 2024

Aging-related genomic culprit found in Alzheimer’s disease

Researchers developed a method to study aged neurons in the lab without a brain biopsy, accurately reproducing the hallmarks of late-onset Alzheimer's disease. The study identified aspects of cells' genomes that contribute to the development of the disease and found potential treatment strategies targeting these factors.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 1, 2024

Study finds regular aspirin use associated with greatest reduction in colorectal cancer among those most at risk

A study published in JAMA Oncology found that regular aspirin use significantly lowers the risk of colorectal cancer in individuals with higher lifestyle-related risk factors. The benefits were most pronounced among those with unhealthiest lifestyles, where treating 78 patients with aspirin would prevent one case of colorectal cancer o...

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalJAMA Oncology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 1, 2024

Key to rapid planet formation

A team of researchers developed a new model that incorporates all necessary physical processes in planet formation, showing that annular perturbations can trigger the rapid formation of multiple gas giants. The results match latest observations and indicate more efficient and quick planet formation than previously thought.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalAstronomy and Astrophysics·DateAug 1, 2024

First full 2-D spectral image of aurora borealis from a hyperspectral camera

Researchers have obtained a detailed spatial distribution of color and a hyperspectral image of the aurora borealis for the first time, revealing new insights into energy transport and electron interactions. The observations will contribute to advancing auroral research and understanding the mechanism of auroral emission.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalEarth Planets and Space·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 1, 2024

Towards smart cities: Predicting soil liquefaction risk using artificial intelligence

A new AI-powered predictive model can generate comprehensive soil liquefaction risk maps, enabling urban planners and engineers to visualize high-risk areas and make informed decisions. The model achieved high accuracy in predicting soil classifications and N-values, validating its effectiveness in enhancing urban resilience.

SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·JournalSmart Cities·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 1, 2024

Human odorant receptor for geosmin identified for the first time

Researchers have identified the human odorant receptor for geosmin, a compound responsible for the distinct 'earthy' to 'musty' odor found in soil, plants, and certain foods. The discovery could aid in developing novel detection systems to monitor food quality and water purity.

SourceLeibniz-Institut für Lebensmittel-Systembiologie an der TU München·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 1, 2024

Revolutionary loop heat pipe transports 10 kW of waste heat — No electricity required

Researchers at Nagoya University developed a loop heat pipe that can transport up to 10 kW of waste heat without electricity, surpassing previous records. This technology has significant implications for energy efficiency and sustainability, particularly in the electric vehicle industry where it can reduce the need for electrical power.

SourceNagoya University·JournalInternational Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer·DateAug 1, 2024

Rice, DOE labs tackle knowledge gap in materials science research

Researchers have discovered a new connection between the nanoscale features of a piezoelectric material and its macroscopic properties, providing a new approach to designing smaller electromechanical devices. The mesoscale structures reveal a complex tile-like pattern that aligns dipoles in a specific way under an electric field.

SourceRice University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 1, 2024

Japan’s youth and climate change

A recent study reveals that Japanese junior high school students can be divided into four groups: Apathetic, Confused, Concerned, and Advocate. The most important factors influencing engagement in climate change actions are feelings of concern, hope, and attitude towards finding solutions. The research emphasizes the importance of emot...

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalInternational Research in Geographical and Environmental Education·TypeSurvey·DateAug 1, 2024

White, pink noise improve focus for children with ADHD

A systematic review of 13 studies found that white and pink noise improved cognitive performance in children and young adults with ADHD, but had no effect on those without the condition. Researchers believe this could be a promising new tool to empower individuals with ADHD to live healthier and more productive lives.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateAug 1, 2024

Stock market turbulence linked to increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, and suicide: A groundbreaking study analyzes 12 million deaths

A groundbreaking study analyzing 12 million deaths finds that stock market volatility is associated with a heightened risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) and suicide. Daily stock returns show significant correlations with mortality risks, particularly among older adults, males, and those with lower education levels.

SourceEngineering·JournalEngineering·DateAug 1, 2024

Enhancing automatic image cropping models with advanced adversarial techniques

A team from Doshisha University has developed two approaches to generate adversarial examples for image cropping, achieving significant reductions in perturbation sizes. The white-box approach manipulates gaze saliency maps to produce effective images, while the black-box approach uses Bayesian optimization to target specific regions.

SourceDoshisha University·JournalIEEE Access·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 1, 2024

Natural born consumers

A study published in Nature Human Behaviour found that prehistoric Europeans spent on small everyday expenses more often than large ones, consistent with modern Western economies. The researchers also discovered metal fragments circulated as money around 1,500 BC, supporting the idea of a market economy from an early stage.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 1, 2024

Turkey vultures fly faster to defy thin air

Researchers found that turkey vultures flying at higher altitudes are generally flying 1m/s faster than those at lower elevations due to reduced drag. By flying faster, these birds can compensate for the lack of lift caused by thin air, allowing them to remain aloft in challenging conditions.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 1, 2024

Communities can increase the prosocial tendencies of their authorities, study finds

Researchers found that witnessing community members engage in prosocial behaviors increases policymakers' willingness to support pro-social policies, such as syringe service programs. The study suggests that communities can exert a positive influence on authorities and contribute to the greater good.

SourceAnnenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateAug 1, 2024

Aging-related genomic culprit found in Alzheimer’s disease

Researchers developed a method to study aged neurons in the lab without a brain biopsy, revealing aspects of cells' genomes linked to late-onset Alzheimer's development. The technique suggests new treatment strategies targeting retrotransposable elements and early intervention to slow disease progression.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 1, 2024

Comprehensive meta-analysis pinpoints what vaccination strategies different countries should adopt

A comprehensive meta-analysis found that interventions increasing access to vaccines and providing transportation assistance tripled vaccination odds, particularly in low-income countries. Financial incentives also showed a moderate effect, but were less impactful.

SourceAnnenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 1, 2024

New research sheds light on relationships between plants and insects in forest ecosystems

A new study published by US Forest Service researchers explores the impact of leaf-eating insects on forest ecosystems worldwide. The findings suggest that warmer climates affect plant-herbivore interactions, leading to changes in carbon and nutrient cycling in broadleaved forests globally.

SourceUSDA Forest Service - Pacific Southwest Research Station·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 1, 2024

Gun permits may be more effective than background checks alone at reducing firearm homicides

A study published in JAMA Network Open suggests that states with gun permit laws see firearm homicide rates 18% lower than those with universal background check policies alone. Gun permits are associated with decreases in firearm fatalities due to their ability to record lower-level crimes and update criminal databases more consistently.

SourceTufts University·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 1, 2024

Novel nanosensing technique for quality control of viral vectors in gene therapy

Researchers developed a novel nanosensing technique to measure viral vector characteristics, enabling quality control of AAV vectors for safe and effective gene therapy. The approach uses nanopore sensing to detect defects in viral particles, offering potential solutions for reducing side effects and improving treatment outcomes.

SourceThe Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalACS Nano·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 1, 2024

Drug developed for pancreatic cancer shows promise against most aggressive form of medulloblastoma

A new study has shown that a drug developed for pancreatic cancer is effective in treating the most aggressive form of medulloblastoma, a childhood brain tumor. The drug, Minnelide, reduced tumor growth and increased the efficacy of chemotherapy, offering hope for improved survival rates for children with this disease.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateAug 1, 2024

Climate change is transforming California agriculture - But there are ways to adapt

A new paper by UC faculty outlines strategies to reduce California agriculture's vulnerabilities to climate change, focusing on water demand, supply, and institutions. Researchers recommend efficient watering practices, improved soil health, and effective monitoring of extreme weather events.

SourceUniversity of California - Merced·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 1, 2024

Climate anomalies may play a major role in driving cholera pandemics

Historical records suggest that anomalous climate conditions during El Niño events contributed to the establishment and spread of new cholera strains. Climate-facilitated emergence of novel strains is projected to increase through the end of the century due to climate change-driven increases in climate variability.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·TypeObservational study·DateAug 1, 2024

Judging your own happiness could backfire

Researchers found that having concerns or judgments about one's own level of happiness were associated with lower well-being, due in part to greater negativity and disappointment about positive events. Thinking too much about one's own happiness could be related to fears about not measuring up or not being as happy as other people.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalEmotion·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 1, 2024

Conformational dynamics and allostery elucidate how GPCR couple to multiple G-proteins, offering mechanistic insights into coupling-promiscuity and novel drug discovery strategies

The study elucidated the mechanisms behind G protein selectivity and efficacy in the human adenosine A2A receptor, discovering changes in activation conformations as the primary cause of coupling promiscuity. The research team used experimental and computational techniques to understand allosteric mechanisms and their role in selective...

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalNature Chemical Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 1, 2024

Can targeted therapies be applied to patients with Alzheimer's?

University of Utah researchers have developed a targeted therapy approach using alpha particles to break down harmful amyloid beta plaques, potentially slowing the devastating neurodegenerative disease. The treatment, called Targeted Alpha Therapy, delivers particles directly to the plaques while minimizing damage to healthy tissues.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateAug 1, 2024

Tipping risks from overshooting 1.5 °C can be minimised if warming is swiftly reversed

A recent study warns that overshooting 1.5°C of global warming poses significant risks to the Earth's climate system, but swiftly reversing warming can minimize these risks. The study suggests that achieving and maintaining net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2100 is crucial to limit tipping risks.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 1, 2024

Circular RNAs – the new frontier in cancer research

Researchers predict that circular RNAs will play a crucial role in cancer diagnosis and treatment, enabling innovative diagnostic and therapeutic developments. The study highlights the potential of circRNAs as biomarkers, therapy targets, and even immune response inducers against cancer cells.

SourceFlinders University·JournalNature Reviews Cancer·TypeSystematic review·DateAug 1, 2024

Fossil shows how penguins’ wings evolved

A new species of fossil penguin discovered in New Zealand shows how penguins' wings evolved into their present form and function. The study highlights the unique combination of bones that allowed penguins to dive and swim, contributing to their ecological diversity.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalJournal of the Royal Society of New Zealand·TypeCase study·DateAug 1, 2024

Stacked up against the rest

Researchers at Kyoto University have developed a new method to reduce optical interference and measure the quantum coherence time of moiré excitons, which are electron-hole pairs confined in moiré interference fringes. This breakthrough enables the realization of quantum functionality in next-generation nano-semiconductors.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 1, 2024

Which strains of tuberculosis are the most infectious?

Researchers found that close household contacts of people diagnosed with geographically restricted TB strains had a lower rate of infection and active TB disease compared to those exposed to widespread lineages. This suggests a shared evolution between humans and microbes, amplifying the risk for infection.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNature Microbiology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 1, 2024

Demographics of north African human populations unravelled using genomic data and artificial intelligence. For the first time, this study places the origin of the Imazighen in the Epipaleolithic, more than twenty thousand years ago

A study using genomic data and artificial intelligence has revealed that the Imazighen and Arab populations of North Africa have distinct genetic origins. The research found that these two populations separated more than 20,000 years ago, shedding light on the region's complex demographic history.

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalGenome Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 1, 2024

Talking about regeneration

Researchers discovered that transferring regenerative genes from simple organisms into fruit flies can suppress age-related issues and promote greater intestinal stem cell division. This breakthrough has implications for developing new strategies to rejuvenate stem cell function and extend healthy lifespans, particularly in humans.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalBMC Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 1, 2024

$2.4 million grant helping MCG scientists better understand what happens to our skeleton as we age

Researchers are studying the role of stress hormones and mineralocorticoid receptors in bone health as we age. The goal is to understand how balance between these factors affects our skeletons. By investigating this complex relationship, scientists hope to develop new insights into osteoporosis and other age-related bone disorders.

Trying to limit calories? Skip the dip, researchers advise

Researchers found that serving a dip with a salty snack significantly increased overall energy intake, with participants consuming more calories from the combination. The study suggests that adding dip to snacks can substantially increase energy intake without people realizing it.

SourcePenn State·JournalFood Quality and Preference·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 1, 2024

Research catalogs greenhouse gas emissions tied to energy use for interbasin water transfers

A new study catalogs greenhouse gas emissions tied to energy use for interbasin water transfers, with a significant portion attributed to agriculture. The research found that irrigation-related emissions are substantial in certain locations, particularly those with high concentrations of agricultural land.

SourceColorado State University·JournalNature Water·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 1, 2024