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Science News for August 26, 2024


KKH study: Exclusive breastfeeding leads to greater weight loss in women with high body mass index as compared to women with normal weight

A KKH study found that exclusively breastfed women with high body mass index (BMI) lost more weight than those with a healthy BMI pre-pregnancy, with an average weight loss of 200 grammes. Women who practiced exclusive breastfeeding retained less postnatal weight compared to mixed feeding or formula feeding.

SourceSingHealth·JournalNutrients·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 26, 2024

Scientists use evolution to bioengineer new pathways to sustainable energy, pharmaceuticals

Researchers engineered bacteria-yeast hybrids to perform photosynthetic carbon assimilation, generating cellular energy without traditional carbon feedstocks. The hybrids can produce important hydrocarbons, paving new biotechnical pathways to non-petroleum-based energy and synthetic biology applications.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 26, 2024

Why children can’t pay attention to the task at hand

Children's brains cannot focus on tasks because their working memory is not fully developed, according to a new study. Researchers found that even with rewards, children still 'over explore' and gather unnecessary information. This suggests that kids are naturally curious and unsure of retaining information in their memory.

SourceOhio State University·JournalPsychological Science·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 26, 2024

Finding love: Study reveals where love lives in the brain

Researchers used fMRI to measure brain activity while subjects imagined six types of love. Love for children and romantic partners activated deep brain reward systems, while nature and pets activated visual areas. The study found consistent brain activation for all interpersonal loves, with differences in intensity.

SourceAalto University·JournalCerebral Cortex·DateAug 26, 2024

Volunteers record bee biodiversity and discover new species in Pennsylvania

A recent study found that 26 highly trained community scientists in Pennsylvania were more effective at documenting bee diversity than thousands of users of the photo-based app iNaturalist. The volunteers collected over twice as much biodiversity data, including new species and county records, through a collections-based program.

SourcePenn State·JournalAnnals of the Entomological Society of America·TypeObservational study·DateAug 26, 2024

New way to potentially slow cancer growth

A team of chemists at Scripps Research has mapped over 300 small molecule-reactive cancer proteins and their binding sites, revealing key protein targets that can be disrupted with certain chemical compounds to halt cancer cell growth. The findings have the potential to lead to more effective and precise cancer treatments.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalNature Chemistry·DateAug 26, 2024

Could psychedelic-assisted therapy change addiction treatment?

A new special series of articles in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs highlights the potential of psychedelic-assisted therapy for treating alcohol dependence, opioid addiction, and other substance use disorders. Promising results suggest that this approach can lead to higher abstinence rates than conventional therapy alone.

SourceJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·JournalJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·TypeLiterature review·DateAug 26, 2024

What microscopic fossilized shells tell us about ancient climate change

Researchers analyzed fossilized shells to reconstruct sea surface temperatures and atmospheric CO2 levels during two hyperthermals, finding a close link between the two. The study provides insights into carbon cycle feedback mechanisms and sensitivities critical for predicting anthropogenic climate change.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 26, 2024

Game-changing needle-free COVID-19 intranasal vaccine

A next-generation COVID-19 vaccine has been developed using a live attenuated intranasal approach, inducing strong memory responses and long-term protection. The vaccine provides cross-protection against all variants of concern and is highly effective against major SARS-CoV-2 proteins.

SourceGriffith University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 26, 2024

Progress on early diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease

Early detection of Alzheimer's disease is critical due to its progression from normal cognition to dementia. Non-cognitive signs like behavioral symptoms, sleep disorders, and sensory impairments may indicate cognitive decline. The review highlights the potential of blood-based biomarkers and gut microbiome in early diagnosis.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 26, 2024

Are crops worldwide sufficiently pollinated?

A Rutgers-led study found that one-third to two-thirds of farms worldwide suffer from low crop yields due to insufficient pollinators. However, researchers estimate that improving pollinator management and research can increase efficiency in existing fields to meet global nutritional needs.

SourceRutgers University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 26, 2024

Transgender students more likely than cisgender peers to seek support from school staff, UW–Madison and NYU study finds

A new study by UW–Madison and NYU found that transgender students are 74% less likely than their cisgender peers to seek help from parents, but 48% more likely to seek support from adults in schools. The study also highlights the urgent need for adequate training for school staff on supporting transgender youth.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 26, 2024

HKU scientists develop AI-driven method to enhance electron microscopy imaging capabilities of complex biological systems

Researchers from HKU have developed a diffusion model-based algorithm called EMDiffuse to enhance imaging capabilities of complex biological systems using electron microscopy. The method addresses trade-offs between imaging speed, quality, and sample size, and improves the accuracy of ultrastructural details.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 26, 2024

Shakespeare in sign language, seen through AI

A new paper in JCOM describes the development of an automatic translation app for sign language, designed through co-creation with deaf communities. The research team used a theatrical performance and AI tools to gather feedback from audiences, informing the app's design and features.

SourceSissa Medialab·JournalJournal of Science Communication·TypeCase study·DateAug 26, 2024

Operating from 9,300km away

A team at ETH Zurich successfully conducted the first remote-controlled magnetic endoscopy procedure across a 9,300km distance. The procedure allowed for precise navigation and manipulation of a probe in a live pig's stomach via a joystick controlled by an operator in Zurich.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalAdvanced Intelligent Systems·DateAug 26, 2024

Tomato tangles: Cell wall components key to fruit ripening unveiled

A pioneering study has revealed the crucial role of cell wall components in tomato fruit ripening. Altering the SlP4H3 gene expression leads to significant disruptions in cell wall structure, affecting the interactions between AGPs and other polysaccharides like HGs and RG-I. This discovery could revolutionize agricultural practices, e...

Communicating consensus strengthens beliefs about climate change

A new study finds that sharing scientific consensus on human-caused climate change strengthens believers' opinions, but has little effect on those who are already skeptical. The research, conducted across 27 countries, highlights the importance of clear communication in reducing climate change misinformation.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 26, 2024

Marine science oxygen produced in the deep sea raises questions about extraterrestrial life

Researchers at Boston University discovered that deep-sea rocks, called polymetallic nodules, produce oxygen through a process known as seawater electrolysis. This phenomenon creates 'dark oxygen' without sunlight, contradicting the long-held assumption that oxygen is only produced by plants and organisms with photosynthetic capabilities.

SourceBoston University·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 26, 2024

Old chemo drug, new pancreatic cancer therapy?

Researchers have discovered a new approach to treating pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), a rare type of pancreatic cancer. Folinic acid has been found to weaken the cancer's defenses by elevating levels of anti-cancer immune molecules, enabling a more effective immune response and slower tumor growth.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 26, 2024

Study: Direct incentives may boost hiring managers’ willingness to employ individuals with criminal convictions

A study found that direct incentives, such as tax credits and insurance, can increase hiring managers' willingness to hire applicants with prior records. The most effective incentives were a $2,400 tax credit and $25,000 insurance against losses, which worked regardless of conviction type or perceptions about performance.

SourceAmerican Society of Criminology·JournalCriminology & Public Policy·DateAug 26, 2024

People who recover from dengue are at higher risk of long-term health complications than those who recovered from COVID-19, Singapore study finds

A nationwide study by Nanyang Technological University found that individuals who recovered from dengue are at a 55% higher risk of long-term health complications, including heart problems and cognitive disorders. This is compared to those who recovered from COVID-19.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalJournal of Travel Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 26, 2024

Almost half of FDA-approved AI medical devices are not trained on real patient data

A recent study found that approximately half of FDA-approved AI medical devices are not trained on real patient data, sparking concerns about device accuracy. The researchers analyzed 500+ medical AI devices and discovered that many lacked clinical validation data, which is essential for ensuring the credibility of these technologies.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalNature Medicine·DateAug 26, 2024

Tick-borne Powassan virus in a child

A case study reports a 9-year-old Canadian child diagnosed with Tick-borne Powassan virus encephalitis after symptoms developed 1 week after a camping trip in northern Ontario. The authors emphasize the importance of broad arbovirus serology testing for patients presenting with encephalitis, particularly during summer and fall.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeCase study·DateAug 26, 2024

Research from UTHealth Houston finds parents who recently experienced intimate partner violence had higher potential for parenting stress and child maltreatment

Parents who recently experienced intimate partner violence reported higher parenting stress and were less likely to use positive parenting strategies. The study emphasizes the need for expanded resources, positive parenting strategies, and tools to help individuals become better parents and break the intergenerational cycle of violence.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 26, 2024

Mapping the sex life of Malaria parasites at single cell resolution, reveals the genetics underlying Malaria transmission

Scientists have mapped the global repertoire of genes that determine the male or female sexual fates in Plasmodium falciparum malaria parasites. This study reveals key regulators of gene expression during development and identifies novel candidate 'driver' genes, shedding light on the complex biology of malaria transmission.

SourceStockholm University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 26, 2024

Unlocking crop yield potential: New modeling approach for sustainable agriculture

A new functional data analysis-based methodology predicts crop yields in year-round cultivation, offering a predictive framework for optimizing agricultural management. The model provides actionable insights into the relationship between environmental conditions and crop performance, enhancing sustainability amidst climate change.

A new and simple approach extending data expansion-based implicit discourse relation classification

A new research by Wei Song and team proposes a novel method for explicit data expansion to address challenges in implicit discourse relation classification. The proposed method uses argument pair type classification (APTC) and label-smoothing strategy to filter out noisy argument pairs and reduce the impact of noisy sense labels.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Computer Science·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 26, 2024

Brigham-led study estimates 1 in 7 Medicare beneficiaries with high body mass index may qualify for anti-obesity drug

A new study estimates that 1 in 7 Medicare beneficiaries with elevated body mass index (BMI) may qualify for semaglutide, a popular weight loss medication. The study found that maximum annual costs to Medicare could exceed $10 billion if different definitions of cardiovascular risk are considered.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 26, 2024

Study identifies keys to success of evidence-based decision making: Interactions with researchers, stakeholders, communities of practice

Researchers found that effective evidence-based decision making requires extensive communication with others, including researchers, stakeholders, and communities of practice. The study identified three networks - decision maker-researcher, decision maker-stakeholder, and decision maker-community of practice - as crucial for success.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalBehavioral Science & Policy·DateAug 26, 2024

Ultracompact polarization-entangled photon sources for miniaturized quantum devices

Scientists have created an ultra-thin light source emitting pairs of polarization-entangled photons, enabling ultra-secure communication and powerful computation. The breakthrough material, 3R-WS2, facilitates the search for superior quantum materials, bringing quantum technology closer to reality.

Sustaining oyster farming with sturdier rafts

Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University have developed polyethylene rafts that are about five times more durable than traditional bamboo rafts used in oyster farming. The new rafts are designed to be affordable and can withstand harsh weather conditions, reducing damage from typhoons.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalOcean Engineering·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 26, 2024

Increased risk of dementia after acute kidney injury

A new study published in Neurology found that acute kidney injury is associated with an increased risk of developing dementia. The study analyzed data from over 300,000 individuals and found a 49% higher risk of dementia overall, with significant increases for specific types of dementia such as Lewy body dementia and vascular dementia.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNeurology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 26, 2024

An entire brain-machine interface on a chip: Converting brain activity to text on one extremely small integrated system

Researchers at EPFL developed a next-generation miniaturized brain-machine interface capable of direct brain-to-text communication on tiny silicon chips. The MiBMI system can decode neural signals generated when a person imagines writing letters or words with high accuracy and low power consumption.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalIEEE Journal of Solid-State Circuits·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 26, 2024

Spin squeezing for all

Researchers have successfully achieved spin squeezing in a more accessible way, enabling precise measurements with quantum-enhanced metrology. This breakthrough may lead to new portable sensors for biomedical imaging and atomic clocks.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature Physics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 26, 2024

Looking for clues about your real age? Your grandparents’ education may offer some insight.

A new study found that grandchildren of college-educated grandparents showed slower biological aging than those whose grandparents did not graduate from college. The research, published in Social Science and Medicine, used epigenetic-based aging clocks to examine the relationship between grandparents' education level and their grandchi...

SourceDrexel University·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 26, 2024

People of lower socioeconomic status less likely to receive cataract surgery in private clinics

A new study found that private clinics in Ontario increased cataract surgery rates for higher-income patients after receiving public funding, while lower-income patients saw a 9% decrease in access. The researchers suggest policy changes to address conflicts of interest and ensure equitable access to surgery.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeObservational study·DateAug 26, 2024

High BMI eligibility for semaglutide could cost Medicare an additional $145 billion annually

A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that approximately 61% of Medicare-eligible adults have a BMI of 27 or higher, making them eligible for semaglutide. However, the number of patients who will be eligible depends on how cardiovascular disease is defined, with narrow definitions resulting in only 3.6 million people b...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateAug 26, 2024

Webb finds early galaxies weren’t too big for their britches after all

Recent discoveries from the James Webb Space Telescope's Cosmic Evolution Early Release Science Survey have cast doubt on the crisis in cosmology. Astronomers found that early galaxies were not as massive as initially thought due to the presence of black holes, which made them appear brighter and more massive than they actually are.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeNews article·DateAug 26, 2024