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Science News for December 4, 2024


20th century lead exposure damaged American mental health

A new study finds that lead exposure during childhood altered the balance of mental health in the US population, leading to higher rates of depression, anxiety, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. The research estimates that 151 million Americans have experienced psychiatric disorders as a result of lead exposure.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateDec 4, 2024

Low meat intake fuels concerns over child nutrition

A study found that only a small percentage of Ethiopian children under five regularly consume animal-sourced foods, limiting their dietary diversity. Introducing just one meat item into a child's diet each day could make a dramatic difference in preventing stunting and improving cognitive capacity.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalMaternal and Child Nutrition·DateDec 4, 2024

Valentin Fuster, MD, PhD, wins prestigious award from the International Atherosclerosis Society

Valentin Fuster, MD, PhD, has made significant contributions to the understanding of atherosclerosis through his research on inflammation, thrombosis, and treatment breakthroughs. His work has led to major advances in diagnosis and therapy, including the development of a cardiovascular 'polypill' that reduces cardiovascular mortality.

Insects wearing two hats solve botanical mystery

Researchers at Kobe University have discovered that ants and camel crickets are crucial in the pollination and seed dispersal of rare parasitic plants. These tiny arthropods play a unique dual role, visiting flowers for pollen and nectar while later feeding on leaves carrying seeds.

SourceKobe University·JournalEcology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 4, 2024

Infertility linked to onset of systemic autoimmune rheumatic disease after childbirth

Women with infertility are at higher risk of developing SARD, including lupus and Sjögren's syndrome, even after accounting for pre-eclampsia and other pregnancy complications. Infertility treatments do not appear to increase this risk, suggesting that women may be undiagnosed or untreated.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·JournalHuman Reproduction·TypeObservational study·DateDec 4, 2024

ETSU secures $900k defense grant

The US Department of Defense has awarded East Tennessee State University's Research Corporation over $900,000 to create a biomanufacturing facility that turns waste streams into valuable products. The project aims to bolster domestic bioindustrial manufacturing and advance sustainable manufacturing goals in Northeast Tennessee.

SNU researchers develop technology to optimize organic thermoelectric device performance using machine learning

Researchers at Seoul National University have developed a machine learning-based design of experiments method that optimizes the performance and process conditions of organic thermoelectric devices, enabling efficient evaluation of key variables and reducing experimental time. The technology has the potential to significantly improve d...

Climate-ready crop

A team from the University of Illinois has engineered a potato crop that can thrive in elevated temperatures, resulting in a 30% increase in tuber mass under heatwave conditions. This adaptation aims to improve food security for families dependent on potatoes, which are often affected by changing climate conditions.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalGlobal Change Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 4, 2024

New clinical pathway supports cancer recurrence anxiety

A new clinical pathway aims to address the intense fear of cancer returning, empowering patients to regain confidence. The three-step plan involves assessment, diagnosis, and stepped-care support to tackle moderate to severe anxiety, which affects 60% of people living with or beyond cancer.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalJournal of Cancer Survivorship·TypeSurvey·DateDec 4, 2024

Study uses game theory to rethink our pandemic responses

Dartmouth researchers propose a new way of thinking about masking and social distancing rules using game theory, considering them as two distinct actions. The study finds that people respond differently to these measures based on their perception of the disease's severity, trending towards masking or no protective action over time.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 4, 2024

Independent rice paddy methane model validated for global applications: Study highlights emission mitigation potential

A study validates an independently developed methane emission model for rice paddies, showcasing its advantages over the commonly used emission factor method. The model provides a detailed simulation of methane production and emissions under diverse conditions, enabling more effective mitigation strategies.

Key breakthrough in autism: pivotal role of CPEB4 condensates revealed

A study by IRB Barcelona has identified a molecular mechanism underlying idiopathic autism, linking the lack of a specific neuronal microexon to decreased gene expression crucial for neuronal development. The discovery reveals how CPEB4 condensates regulate gene expression and highlights potential therapeutic approaches.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 4, 2024

Owning a home in the US linked to longer life

The study found that homeownership was associated with a statistically significant increase in life expectancy, particularly among Black male Americans. Homeownership opportunities were significantly lower among Black Americans compared to White Americans, and expanding these opportunities may help narrow the gap in life expectancy bet...

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalDemography·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 4, 2024

A third of people from Chicago carry concealed handguns in public before they reach middle age, major 25-year study finds

A major US study found that around a third of Chicago residents carry concealed firearms by middle age, with differences in gun carrying between men and women. Gun carrying in adolescence often occurs in response to direct experiences of violence, while adults are more likely to carry due to perceived threats to public safety.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 4, 2024

Chinese Medical Journal article sheds light on the global lifetime risk of lung cancer

The global lifetime risk of lung cancer is 3.49%, with high-risk countries like French New Caledonia and Canada, while low-HDI countries have lower risks due to shorter lifespans and limited resources. After 40, the risk drastically increases, but residual risk decreases with age.

SourceChinese Medical Journals Publishing House Co., Ltd.·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 4, 2024

Study shows significant rise in psychotherapy use among adults, but gains are uneven across socioeconomic groups

A recent study found a substantial increase in psychotherapy use among US adults with mild to moderate distress since 2018. However, the benefits of this growth have not been equally distributed, with privately insured individuals and those with higher family incomes experiencing greater gains.

Welcome Evo, generative AI for the genome

Evo, a generative AI model, uses patterns in microbial genomes to write new genetic code, expanding the length of sequences models can process and improving resolution. Researchers use Evo to understand microbial and viral genomes, fashion new proteins, and reprogram microbes for remarkable tasks.

SourceStanford University·JournalScience·DateDec 4, 2024

Genetic data from ‘biobanks’ may help improve prediction of effectiveness, side effects of common medications, study finds

A new framework developed by UCLA researchers suggests that genetic data from large libraries of sequenced human genomes can improve the predictive power of genetics in determining how well a patient will respond to commonly prescribed medications and the severity of any side effects. The study, which analyzed data from over 342,000 pe...

Lessons from Earth's hottest epoch in the last 65 million years: How global warming could shrink the tropics' rain belt

New research reveals that during the early Eocene, the rain belt's seasonal shifts weakened dramatically due to extreme warming and a reduced Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ). This ancient change could offer critical warnings about the impact of modern global warming.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateDec 4, 2024

Study reveals lasting effects of common herbicide on brain health

A new study reveals that glyphosate exposure in mice can cause lasting brain inflammation and accelerate Alzheimer's disease-like pathology, even after a significant pause from exposure. The herbicide's byproducts have been found to accumulate in brain tissue, raising serious concerns about its safety for human populations.

SourceArizona State University·JournalJournal of Neuroinflammation·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 4, 2024

Has childhood exposure to lead in gasoline contributed to mental illness?

Research published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry found a significant association between childhood lead exposure and mental health symptoms. The study estimated that 151 million excess mental disorders were attributable to lead exposure by 2015, with differences most pronounced for people born between 1966 and 1986.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry·DateDec 4, 2024

New tool enhances control of cellular activity

Researchers at Stanford University have developed a new synthetic receptor, PAGER, that can accommodate a broader range of inputs and produce a more diverse set of outputs. The tool enables control of neuronal activity, immune responses, and therapeutic treatments in lab experiments.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature·DateDec 4, 2024

Peer support could help millions with sleep apnea slumber easier, study says

A University of Arizona Health Sciences study found that peer support intervention improved CPAP adherence and patient satisfaction among 263 sleep apnea patients. The study showed that participants who received peer support used the CPAP machine correctly and consistently, averaging 4.5 hours of use per night, compared to those withou...

SourceUniversity of Arizona Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 4, 2024

Male African elephants develop distinct personality traits as they age

Researchers observed 34 male African savannah elephants in Etosha National Park, identifying five types of behavior that were consistently different between individuals. Younger males were more similar in temperament than older males, suggesting that their unique personalities develop as they age.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateDec 4, 2024

SwRI-led study explores risks of chemical exposure from household products

Researchers analyzed 81 common household items for chemical makeup and exposure risks. The study used advanced chromatography and machine learning methods to identify chemicals that could pose negative health effects, such as synthetic antioxidant BKF, when exposure reached a certain threshold.

SourceSouthwest Research Institute·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 4, 2024

Milestone in defining electrical units

Researchers at the University of Würzburg have experimentally implemented a quantum resistance standard that can operate without an externally applied magnetic field. This milestone enables precise measurements essential in industrial production and electronics, reaching thresholds comparable to early conventional standards.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature·DateDec 4, 2024

Non-invasive imaging tests may lead to early sepsis detection

Researchers have developed a non-invasive strategy that assesses blood flow through skeletal muscle to detect early signs of sepsis. The technique, combining hyperspectral near-infrared spectroscopy and diffuse correlation spectroscopy, was tested in rodents and detected sepsis before vital organs were affected.

SourceWiley·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateDec 4, 2024

Helping robots make good decisions in real time

A team of Caltech researchers has developed an algorithm called Spectral Expansion Tree Search (SETS) that enables autonomous robots to determine the best movements to make as they navigate the real world. SETS uses control theory and linear algebra to find natural motions that use a robotic platform's capabilities to its fullest extent.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalScience Robotics·DateDec 4, 2024

Getting a grip on quark mixing

Researchers use precise measurements of radioactive decay processes to calculate quark mixing, uncovering effects involving weak interactions that dominate uncertainty. The work may hold promise for uncovering footprints of new physics in nuclear processes.

SourceUniversiteit van Amsterdam·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 4, 2024

With a quarter-century of data on gun usage, new study examines when and why people start carrying guns and if they persist in doing so

A new long-term study of gun usage found that most gun carriers began to carry in adulthood, not adolescence. Adult-onset carriers were more persistent in their carrying and had a different pattern of exposure to violence, whereas adolescent-onset carriers were associated with direct exposure to gun violence.

SourceHarvard University·JournalScience Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 4, 2024

Ancient maize genomes reveal the early evolutionary history of commercially important flint and dent varieties

Researchers reconstructed the journey of maize into eastern North America, tracing its dispersal routes and history of selection. Ancient genomes reveal a genetic link between Northern Flints and 1,000-year-old Ozark maize, highlighting early adaptations for local climates and culinary preferences.

New research on chronic inflammation explores potential treatments for chronic diseases and cancer

A recent study by Krishna Rao Maddipati suggests that chronic inflammation has a distinct etiology, differing from acute inflammation. The study proposes increasing anti-inflammatory compounds to treat chronic inflammation, potentially leading to new advancements in cancer therapy.

SourceWayne State University - Office of the Vice President for Research·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 4, 2024

Korea University study highlights a novel non-invasive brain surgery for lasting relief from severe obsessive-compulsive disorder

Researchers reported positive long-term results of bilateral capsulotomy for severe obsessive-compulsive disorder treatment, with high patient satisfaction even at 10 years. The study suggests MRgFUS capsulotomy may also be effective in managing other psychiatric diseases.

SourceKorea University College of Medicine·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 4, 2024

Mass General Brigham research leads to new insights on preventing brain injury after cardiac arrest

A team of researchers from Mass General Brigham has identified changes in immune cells that can predict patient recovery after cardiac arrest. The study suggests that a particular population of cells may provide protection against brain injury and a drug that can activate these cells, improving neurological outcomes in preclinical stud...

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateDec 4, 2024

Novel all-in-one computational pipeline identifies protein biomarkers associated with alzheimer’s disease and predicts 3D structural alterations

Researchers developed a novel computational pipeline to identify protein biomarkers linked to Alzheimer's risk, offering insights into disease mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets. The pipeline, MR-SPI, can predict 3D structural changes in proteins, providing a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms driving disease.

The Italian language enters the Semantic Web with LiITA, a project to create a linguistic knowledge base to serve as a basis for developing new technologies

The LiITA project creates an interoperable Knowledge Base for Italian language resources, enabling dialogue between resources and artificial intelligence model development. The project aims to foster innovation in linguistics and counteract declining interest in humanities studies.

With Indigenous heritage sites under threat, KFN-SFU collaborative study identifies pathways to enforce Nation-led cultural heritage protection

A new research collaboration between the K’ómoks First Nation and Simon Fraser University highlights how Indigenous cultural heritage policies can protect archaeological sites threatened by development. The study found that the K’ómoks First Nation’s Cultural Heritage Policy provides a pathway to reconciliation and greater certainty fo...

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalFrontiers in Environmental Archaeology·DateDec 4, 2024

The heart has its own ‘brain’

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet and Columbia University identified a mini-brain within the heart with its own nervous system that controls the heartbeat. This discovery challenges current views on how the heartbeat is controlled and may lead to new insights into heart diseases and treatments.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 4, 2024

Do soil microbes affect flowers’ ability to attract bees?

Research reveals that certain soil microbes can enhance flower size, resulting in increased bee visitations, but high colonization levels may lead to smaller flowers. The study focuses on arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi associations with plant roots and their impact on floral traits and pollinator interactions.

SourceWiley·JournalNew Phytologist·DateDec 4, 2024

Key objections to collecting immigration status data in national health surveys

National health surveys omit questions about nativity, including immigration status, which limits the assessment of health disparities across diverse immigrant subgroups. Researchers conducted a study to address these complexities, presenting evidence that objections to asking directly about immigration status lack substantiation and c...

SourceAmerican Public Health Association·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 4, 2024

Astronomers witness the in situ spheroid formation in distant submillimetre-bright galaxies

Researchers found evidence of spheroid formation in distant submillimeter-bright galaxies, which challenges current understanding of galaxy evolution. The study provides the first solid observational evidence that spheroids can form directly through intense star formation within the cores of highly luminous starburst galaxies.

The American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) releases highly anticipated evidence-based clinical guideline for phenylalanine hydroxylase deficiency

The American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics has published a new evidence-based clinical guideline for phenylalanine hydroxylase deficiency diagnosis and management. The guideline provides recommendations for treatment, implementation considerations, research priorities, and economic considerations to improve patient outcomes.

SourceAmerican College of Medical Genetics and Genomics·JournalGenetics in Medicine·TypeSystematic review·DateDec 4, 2024

Why some individuals believe fake news and conspiracies

A study published in PLOS Global Public Health found that individuals with high credulity are more susceptible to fake news and vaccine hesitancy. Mistrust was also linked to conspiracy thinking and difficulty distinguishing between real and fake news, particularly in those exposed to childhood adversity.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Global Public Health·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 4, 2024

Study exposes link between genetic risk of depression and heart disease in women

A study by University of Queensland researchers found a significant link between genetic risk of depression and heart disease in women, even in the absence of a depression diagnosis. The study highlights the need to understand this relationship separately in men and women due to varying risk factors.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalCirculation Genomic and Precision Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 4, 2024

A modular 16-channel high-voltage ultrasound phased array system for therapeutic medical applications

Researchers developed a modular 16-channel high-voltage ultrasound phased array system for therapeutic medical applications, offering flexible programmable sonication parameters and achieving millimeter-level spatial precision. The system has been successfully employed for various therapeutic purposes such as neuromodulation, temporary...

SourceELSP·JournalNeuroelectronics·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 4, 2024

Emoji use may depend on emotional intelligence and attachment style

A study found that individuals with higher emotional intelligence and secure attachment styles tend to use emojis more frequently, while those with avoidant attachment styles send fewer emojis. The study also revealed a gender gap in emoji use, with women using emojis more than men, particularly in interactions with friends and family.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSurvey·DateDec 4, 2024

Poor health outcomes—including early deaths—linger for decades for those who lived in ‘redlined’ neighborhoods

A new study found an association between redlining and increased risk of death among individuals who lived in segregated communities in 1940. The study, which analyzed data from nearly 962,000 people, found that those who lived in redlined neighborhoods had a higher risk of death at older ages.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 4, 2024

NYU Abu Dhabi researchers develop a new material that removes a dangerous “forever chemical,” from drinking water

Researchers at NYU Abu Dhabi have developed a new material that efficiently detects and removes perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) from drinking water, potentially revolutionizing water purification efforts worldwide. The breakthrough addresses global concerns over PFAS, or 'forever chemicals', which pose severe health risks.

SourceNew York University·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 4, 2024

Protecting the health of wildlife ecosystems

A recent study published in Nature found that mother fleas can transmit the plague to their offspring, posing a significant threat to prairie dog colonies and other rodent populations. This discovery highlights the importance of understanding the role of animals in the dissemination of the disease.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 4, 2024

Challenging stereotypes

Researchers found that people consistently hold ecology stereotypes across diverse cultural backgrounds, suggesting a connection between environmental context and stereotypical beliefs. The study's findings challenge traditional biases related to race and family structures, highlighting the need for a more nuanced understanding of how ...

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 4, 2024