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Science News for December 18, 2024


Safe, powerful, stable: Ultrathin solid electrolyte design for all-solid-state lithium-metal batteries

Researchers developed an electrochemically stable and ultrathin polymer-based solid electrolyte, exhibiting over 2100 hours of stable battery cycling in Li-symmetric cells. The study offers a new approach for fabricating ultrathin solid electrolytes and provides insights into the mechanisms of dendrite-free formation.

SourceSongshan Lake Materials Laboratory·JournalMaterials Futures·DateDec 18, 2024

Sleep apnea linked to changes in the brain

A recent study published in Neurology has found that people with sleep apnea tend to have a larger hippocampus, a region crucial for memory and thinking. The study, which included mostly Latino participants, also discovered that lower oxygen levels during sleep were associated with increased brain volume and white matter hyperintensities.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateDec 18, 2024

Overactive cells linked to type 2 diabetes

A recent study from the University of Missouri found that peripheral chemoreceptors are overactive in adults with type 2 diabetes, leading to increased cardiovascular risk. While high doses of oxygen reduced chemoreceptor activity, it did not improve glucose tolerance or insulin sensitivity.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalThe Journal of Physiology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 18, 2024

How one state’s repeal of a prison ‘pay-to-stay’ law could guide national reform

A new study by USC Dornsife researchers reveals how Illinois' repeal of the 'pay-to-stay' law, charging inmates for room and board, can inform national reform efforts. The study found that lawmakers used a pragmatic approach to reform, highlighting the importance of data-driven decision making in advancing criminal justice reform.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalTheoretical Criminology·TypeCase study·DateDec 18, 2024

Michael Courtney of Turku Bioscience Center receives grant for research on SYNGAP1 missense variants and drug repurposing from SynGAP Research Fund (SRF) dba Cure SYNGAP1

Dr. Michael Courtney's team will use advanced phenotyping techniques to assess how SYNGAP1 missense variants impact protein function, focusing on pathogenic or uncertain variants. The project aims to inform therapeutic strategies for patients with SYNGAP1-related disorders through drug repurposing and functional assays.

MouseGoggles offer immersive look into neural activity

Researchers at Cornell University have created mini virtual reality (VR) headsets called MouseGoggles, which allow mice to navigate virtual environments with greater immersion and accuracy. The technology has the potential to reveal insights into spatial navigation and memory function, shedding light on disorders like Alzheimer's disease.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Methods·DateDec 18, 2024

Improvement initiative increased well-being and reduced inefficiencies for surgical residents

A quality improvement project using Lean methodology at UC San Diego Health reduced unnecessary work hours for surgical residents by 10.2%, improving resident well-being and faculty perception of preparedness. The study's framework can be replicated to support other residency programs in optimizing resident and institutional outcomes.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·DateDec 18, 2024

Discovery of β‐nitrostyrene derivatives as potential quorum sensing inhibitors for biofilm inhibition and antivirulence factor therapeutics against Serratia marcescens

Researchers have identified β-nitrostyrene derivatives as potential quorum sensing inhibitors for biofilm inhibition and antivirulence factor therapeutics against Serratia marcescens. The study found that one compound, m-NPe, reduced biofilm formation by 79% and disrupted biofilm architecture.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalmLife·DateDec 18, 2024

Unionization efforts by physicians between 2000 and 2024

Between 2000 and 2022, there was a significant increase in physician union petitions filed and certified. However, the number of petitions increased again in 2023, driven by growing concerns about working conditions, physician autonomy, and voice in management, ultimately affecting patient care quality.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateDec 18, 2024

One pot synthesize cubic polymeric nitrogen at ambient

Researchers have successfully prepared stable polymeric nitrogen materials at ambient conditions using azides as precursors through a thermal treatment process. The yield is significantly higher than that of polymeric nitrogen materials prepared by high pressure methods, making it a promising technique for scale-up preparation.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·DateDec 18, 2024

New knit haptic sleeve simulates realistic touch

Researchers at Stanford University have designed a comfortable, flexible knit sleeve that simulates realistic touch using pressure-based haptics. The Haptiknit sleeve provides more accurate tactile feedback than vibration-based devices, allowing for smoother navigation, military communication, and rehabilitation.

SourceStanford University·JournalScience Robotics·DateDec 18, 2024

Study reveals the positive link between home kitchens and adolescents’ health

A recent study published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior reveals a significant influence of home food environments on adolescent dietary patterns. Home food availability, particularly fruits and vegetables, promotes healthier eating habits, while neighborhood fast-food options negatively affect dietary quality.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 18, 2024

How do we use STOC-T to assess ocular microcirculation?

Researchers used STOC-T to visualize retinal microcirculation in real-time, providing insights into the mechanisms of retinal function. The study offers a groundbreaking opportunity for precise monitoring of hemodynamic changes in the retina, enabling early detection and treatment of diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

Capybaras found dead from rabies on island in São Paulo state (Brazil) warn of need to monitor virus

A study on capybaras infected with a rabies variant linked to vampire bats has been published in the journal Veterinary Research Communications. The research found that the viral strain was transmitted by vampire bats, which likely fed on the capybaras' blood during habitat disturbance.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalVeterinary Research Communications·DateDec 18, 2024

Brain inflammation alters behaviour according to sex

Researchers found that neuroinflammation in the hippocampus significantly alters motivation and behaviour in mice, particularly in females. This study suggests that treatments targeting hippocampal neuroinflammation could help reduce cognitive and behavioural symptoms in diseases such as Alzheimer's and Depression.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalBrain Behavior and Immunity·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 18, 2024

A Survey on Multimodal Large Language Models

This review summarizes the progress in multimodal large language models, enabling advanced applications like intelligent agents and coding assistants. The training of MLLMs involves three stages: pre-training, instruction-tuning, and alignment tuning, with new techniques addressing hallucinations and human values.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateDec 18, 2024

Genetic testing changes course of care in children with neurodevelopmental conditions

A new UCLA Health study found that adding genetic testing to the evaluation of pediatric patients with neurodevelopmental disorders led to more individualized care, including changes in medication, referrals to clinical trials or specialists, and surveillance for potential medical issues.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalGenetics in Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateDec 18, 2024

Study supports new blood-based biomarker to detect early brain changes leading to cognitive impairment and dementia

A new blood-based biomarker, placental growth factor (PlGF), has been identified as a potential tool for detecting early brain changes associated with cognitive impairment and dementia. Elevated PlGF levels were found to be linked to increased vascular permeability, leading to white matter injury and subsequent cognitive decline.

Nature’s instructions: How fungi make a key medicinal molecule

Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science have discovered a previously unreported enzyme that catalyzes the creation of cyclopentachromone-containing compounds. This breakthrough could potentially lead to the development of new pharmaceuticals for treating cancer and inflammation.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 18, 2024

Old moon with a young crust

A recent study resolves contradictions in the Moon's age and composition. Researchers found that the Moon's crust was melted twice, with the second heating event resetting its geological clock and altering the age of lunar rocks. This discovery sheds light on the Moon's turbulent history and volcanic past.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Solar System Research·JournalNature·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 18, 2024

Leveraging AI to assist clinicians with physical exams

A new study found that large language models can provide useful physical exam recommendations and instructions based on patient symptoms. The researchers used GPT-4 to recommend physical exam instructions and evaluated its performance by three attending physicians, scoring at least 80% of the possible points.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalJournal of Medical Artificial Intelligence·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 18, 2024

Small habitats, big consequences: Connectivity loss in pond networks threatens microbial biodiversity

A recent study found that connectivity loss within pond networks leads to significant declines in microbial diversity and community evenness. The loss of connectivity disrupts trophic interactions, causing reduced biomass in zooplankton grazers and further exacerbating the decline in diversity.

SourceHun-Ren Ökológiai Kutatóközpont·JournalGlobal Change Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 18, 2024

Fairy tales can help teach children about healthy sleep

Researchers suggest that traditional fairy tales like Snow White, The Princess and the Pea, Goldilocks and the Three Bears, and Peter Pan offer opportunities to discuss healthy sleep with children. These stories highlight the importance of optimising environmental conditions and managing stress for better sleep.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateDec 18, 2024

Chungnam National University researchers develop an edible biofilm for extending fruit shelf life

Scientists create a natural polysaccharide-based edible coating that replaces synthetic packaging, extending shelf life while reducing global food waste. The biofilm shows improved mechanical strength, antioxidant properties, and antibacterial activity, making it an eco-friendly solution to address food waste issues.

SourceChungnam National University Evaluation Team·JournalFood Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 18, 2024

What is metformin’s secret sauce?

A new Northwestern Medicine study reveals how metformin lowers glucose levels by targeting mitochondrial complex I in cells. The drug also improves COVID outcomes and reduces inflammation, suggesting that mitochondrial complex I inhibition may be a unifying mechanism behind its diverse effects.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 18, 2024

New study unlocks parental identity with new lens on education spending

A new study by Baylor University researchers reveals that a parent's self-view plays a crucial role in shaping education spending, regardless of ethnicity or culture. The study identifies key factors such as personal identity threats and how well personal and parental identities fit together to either strengthen or weaken this effect.

SourceBaylor University·JournalJournal of Business Research·TypeSurvey·DateDec 18, 2024

An open solution to improving research reproducibility

A consensus platform for antibody characterization has been developed to evaluate antibody specificity and tackle the challenge of non-specific antibodies in life sciences. The Open Science approach supports large-scale collaboration among competitors in the antibody industry, resulting in an estimated $1 billion annual savings.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature Protocols·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 18, 2024

New evidence on the relationship between moderate wine consumption and cardiovascular health

A multicentre study published in European Heart Journal found that moderate wine consumption is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular complications. The study, which analysed data from over 1,200 participants, suggests that light and moderate wine consumption can reduce the risk of cardiovascular events by up to 50%. However, ...

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 18, 2024

Building a safer and more affordable nuclear clock

Researchers at JILA have created a new method to produce thin films of thorium tetrafluoride, making nuclear clocks thousand times less radioactive and cost-effective. The successful use of this technology marks a potential turning point in the development of nuclear clocks.

SourceJILA·JournalNature·DateDec 18, 2024

New computational method uncovers surprising variability in Neolithic building practices

A recent study introduces a new computational approach to analyze architectural remains, uncovering insights that qualitative methods might overlook, including quantification of defined angles in structures as early as the Natufian period. The research highlights architectural diversity during the Natufian and early Neolithic period, s...

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalArchaeological Research in Asia·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 18, 2024

Davos Alzheimer’s Collaborative and pharmaceutical and diagnostics companies work together on Alzheimer’s disease blood biomarker validation

The Davos Alzheimer's Collaborative is partnering with Janssen Research & Development and Beckman Coulter Diagnostics to advance the validation of blood-based biomarkers (BBMs) for Alzheimer's disease. This collaboration aims to develop globally generalizable blood tests that can be used in diverse populations, including those from low...

Living in the deep, dark, slow lane: Insights from the first global appraisal of microbiomes in earth’s subsurface environments

A global study on microbiomes in subsurface environments reveals astonishingly high microbial diversity, rivaling that at the surface. The study, led by Emil Ruff, also compares marine and terrestrial microbiomes, finding great differences in composition but similar levels of diversity.

SourceMarine Biological Laboratory·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 18, 2024

Almost all leading AI chatbots show signs of cognitive decline

Leading AI chatbots exhibit mild cognitive impairment in tests for early dementia detection, performing poorly in visuospatial skills and executive tasks. This finding challenges the assumption that AI will replace human doctors and highlights a significant area of weakness that could impede their use in clinical settings.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·TypeObservational study·DateDec 18, 2024

Hey! Where’s my qubit?

Researchers have developed a practical way to detect 'leakage errors' in neutral atom platforms, removing a major roadblock for one branch of quantum computing. The detection method achieved 93.4% accuracy and enables researchers to flag and correct errors without disturbing the quantum state of the atoms.

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·JournalPRX Quantum·DateDec 18, 2024

Supermassive black holes halt rapid construction in an ancient celestial city

A team of researchers used James Webb Space Telescope data to find massive galaxies with supermassive black holes showing no sign of star formation, supporting the theory that SMBHs can suppress gas supply and halt galaxy growth. The study provides new insights into the co-evolution of SMBHs and galaxies.

SourceWaseda University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society Letters·TypeObservational study·DateDec 18, 2024

VR-haptics-enhanced training holds potential to transform dental education

A new literature review highlights the transformative potential of VR-haptics in dental education, offering innovative training opportunities to complement traditional practices. The review found that VR-haptic simulation has demonstrated significant value as a complementary tool in dental simulation practice.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalJournal of Dental Education·TypeLiterature review·DateDec 18, 2024

People from some racial and ethnic groups may face barriers to obtaining obesity medications

A new study found significant disparities in the use of obesity-management medications among different racial and ethnic groups. People of Asian, Black, and Hispanic descent were significantly less likely to use these medications compared to whites, even after adjusting for income, education, health insurance coverage, and clinical need.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 18, 2024

'Dancing the blues away' seen in brain imaging in people with Parkinson disease, new study finds

A new study published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research found that dancing improves both self-reported questionnaires and MRI brain scans in people with Parkinson disease. The study, conducted by York University researchers, showed a cumulative effect of dance classes on depression rates over 8 months.

SourceYork University·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·TypeObservational study·DateDec 18, 2024

Children’s Hospital Colorado research transforms the standard of care for childhood cancer

The new therapy significantly improves three-year disease-free survival for children with B-ALL, with 96% being disease-free for at least three years. Blinatumomab is now being used in most patients due to its practice-changing breakthrough, offering improved quality of life and reduced side effects.

SourceChildren's Hospital Colorado·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 18, 2024

App helps alleviate mental health symptoms in bereaved parents

A new study from Uppsala University shows that an app can help parents who are mourning the loss of a child, reducing symptoms of prolonged grief and post-traumatic stress. The app provides four components: learning about grief, finding support, practical exercises, and a 'grief meter' to track feelings.

SourceUppsala University·JournalCognitive Behaviour Therapy·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 18, 2024

Can you go home again? New study looks at the workplace effects of boomerangs

A new study by University of California, Davis researchers suggests that hiring boomerang workers can bring benefits to both the organization and current employees. However, existing workers may not be as helpful to boomerangs as they are to newcomers. The study found that resentment among former colleagues can lead to reduced assistan...

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalOrganization Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 18, 2024

Vagus nerve stimulation relieves severe depression

People with severe depression who received vagus nerve stimulation showed significant improvement in depressive symptoms, quality of life, and ability to complete everyday tasks after a year. Despite this, the therapy remains unaffordable for many patients due to high costs.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalBrain Stimulation·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 18, 2024

An immersive VR exercise session engaged participants in more intense and reportedly enjoyable exercise, with more positive emotions, compared to a workout presented on-screen

A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that immersive VR exercise sessions resulted in more intense and enjoyable workouts compared to traditional screen-based exercises. The research suggests that virtual reality could be an efficient way to improve physical activity and overall well-being.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 18, 2024

Researchers unlock craniopharyngioma growth mechanism and identify potential new therapy

Craniopharyngiomas, a type of brain tumor, can hijack hypothalamic neurons to enhance growth. Researchers identified a promising treatment option: amlodipine besylate, a calcium channel blocker commonly used for hypertension. The medication disrupts chemical synaptic transmission between neurons and tumor cells.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateDec 18, 2024

Dyslexia genetics linked to brain structure

A large-scale study found that genetic variants associated with dyslexia were linked to differences in brain areas involved in motor coordination, vision, and language. The research also discovered associations between dyslexia-related genes and white matter density in the internal capsule, which is linked to various cognitive traits.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 18, 2024

How do MS drugs affect pregnancy?

Pregnant women with MS receiving disease-modifying therapies show increased risk of low birth weight and serious infections. Exposure to S1P modulators, natalizumab, and anti-CD20 antibodies is particularly concerning.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalThe Lancet·TypeObservational study·DateDec 18, 2024

Charting a path toward overcoming glioblastoma resistance to chemotherapy

Researchers uncover Achilles' heel of TMZ chemotherapy resistance, revealing critical insights into mechanisms behind glioblastoma's inactivation of DNA repair pathways. The study sheds light on potential mechanisms of aging and offers new avenues for developing more effective therapies against this devastating cancer.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNucleic Acids Research·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 18, 2024

Does having more chronic conditions increase older adults’ risk of declining kidney function?

A new study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that older adults with multiple chronic conditions are at a higher risk of declining kidney function. The study followed 3,094 older individuals for 15 years and found an independent dose-response relationship between the number of chronic conditions and kidn...

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateDec 18, 2024

Journal of Dental Research publishes study exploring the impact of early childhood exposure to fluoride on cognitive neurodevelopment

A recent study published in Journal of Dental Research examined the relationship between early childhood fluoride exposure and cognitive development. The research found that there were no significant effects of fluoride exposure on cognitive neurodevelopment, with the hypothesis of non-inferiority tests also supporting this conclusion.

Diarrheal diseases remain a leading killer for children under 5, adults 70+

A new study reports a 60% decline in global diarrheal disease mortality, but highlights regional disparities and areas for improvement, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. The largest decrease was among children under 5 years old, with a 79% drop in deaths, while adults 70+ still face high mortality rates.

SourceInstitute for Health Metrics and Evaluation·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateDec 18, 2024

Characteristics of axisymmetric inward turning detonation wave: A new possibilities for detonation in the internal channel

A team of scientists has introduced a novel basic detonation flow field, the Axisymmetric Inward Turning Curved Detonation Wave (AIT-CDW), which boosts compression capabilities and accelerates gas ignition. The study highlights the importance of geometric parameters in maintaining stable combustion processes.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalChinese Journal of Aeronautics·DateDec 18, 2024

A ‘remelting’ of lunar surface adds a wrinkle to mystery of Moon’s true age

Scientists suggest the Moon underwent a 'remelting' event due to tidal forces, resetting its geological clock and masking its true age with volcanic activity. This hypothesis could account for discrepancies in lunar-rock ages and impact basins, placing the Moon's formation between 4.43 and 4.53 billion years ago.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalNature·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 18, 2024

Miracle, or marginal gain?

A study by MIT economists suggests that industrial policy has a relatively limited impact on GDP growth, with average long-run gains of 1.08% in favorable circumstances. The research indicates that local consumer demand can curb the impact of industrial policy, putting a ceiling on directed growth.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Political Economy·DateDec 18, 2024

Innovation in land use and land cover classification for landslide analysis

A new method combining Random Forest and Compound Maximum a Posteriori algorithms reduces invalid transitions and improves LULC classification, correcting 99.92 km2 of errors. The study outperforms traditional methods, especially in detecting changes in mountainous regions.

SourceEscuela Superior Politecnica del Litoral·JournalRemote Sensing Applications Society and Environment·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 18, 2024

New discovery by Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine researchers provides hope in fighting drug-resistant malaria

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have discovered a potential target for treating drug-resistant malaria, PfNCR1, a cholesterol-managing protein. A compound known as MMV009108 can physically block the transporter, preventing it from doing its job and potentially killing the parasite.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 18, 2024

Bias in AI amplifies our own biases

A new study by UCL researchers found that AI systems amplify human biases, leading to a snowball effect where small initial biases increase the risk of human error. The researchers demonstrated real-world consequences, including overestimating white men's likelihood of holding high-status jobs and underestimating women's performance.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 18, 2024

Researchers develop new test for early osteoarthritis diagnosis

Researchers have developed a new diagnostic test that uses two markers found in the synovial fluid of patients' joints to differentiate osteoarthritis from inflammatory arthritis. The algorithm, based on the ratio of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein and interleukin-8, has been validated with high accuracy.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Orthopaedic Research®·DateDec 18, 2024