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Science News for February 15, 2024


Why we hate to wait

A study by Annabelle Roberts explores the internal negotiations that occur when people feel impatient, including the desire for closure. The research finds that people become more impatient as their wait nears an end and offers lessons for marketers to make waiting less annoying.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 15, 2024

Asexual propagation of crop plants gets closer

Researchers at the University of Zurich have discovered a signal that activates the female gamete in thale cress, a model plant species. This breakthrough could lead to the development of apomixis, a form of asexual reproduction that would allow crop plants to be propagated more easily and efficiently.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 15, 2024

Health and zombie cells in aging

Researchers at Mayo Clinic shed light on the biology of zombie cells and their link to aging-related health issues. A study found that specific senescent biomarkers can predict mortality beyond chronological age and chronic disease presence.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalAging Cell·DateFeb 15, 2024

Helping caregivers help people with dementia eat at home

A new study suggests that caregivers can establish a safe and workable mealtime routine for people with dementia living at home by reducing distractions, clearing away clutter, and leveraging community-based nutrition programs. The strategies aim to address the complex factors surrounding mealtime in the home, including cognitive impai...

SourceOhio State University·JournalThe Gerontologist·DateFeb 15, 2024

Predicting optical fibers failures

A study demonstrates the potential of transceiver-based sensing for actively monitoring and improving the stability of fiber networks. Researchers used a coherent transceiver prototype to detect polarization changes that preceded a cable break in a live network, showing promise for real-time monitoring and proactive network management.

SourceOptica·DateFeb 15, 2024

Burnout: identifying people at risk

A new study by Norwegian University of Science and Technology has developed a tool to identify individuals at high risk of burnout. The Burnout Assessment Tool (BAT) measures four main groups of risk factors, including exhaustion, mental distancing, cognitive impairment, and emotional impairment.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalScandinavian Journal of Psychology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 15, 2024

New nuclei can help shape our understanding of fundamental science on Earth and in the cosmos

A team of researchers has successfully created five new isotopes at the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams, bringing the stars closer to Earth. These isotopes, known as thulium-182, thulium-183, ytterbium-186, ytterbium-187 and lutetium-190, represent a significant milestone in nuclear science and offer new opportunities for experimentation.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 15, 2024

Diverse ancient volcanoes on Mars discovered by HKU planetary scientist may hold clues to pre-plate tectonic activity on Earth

A recent study by Professor Joseph Michalski and his team has revealed a vast number of diverse volcanoes in Mars' ancient crust, including lava domes, stratovolcanoes, calderas, and large shields of ash. These findings suggest that intense volcanism occurred on ancient Mars, causing the crust to collapse into the mantle.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 15, 2024

Using written records – and tweets – as a roadmap for plant disease spread

A study using historic and modern writing reveals more information about the effects and spread of Phytophthora infestans, a plant pathogen that caused the 1840s Irish potato famine. Researchers tracked the disease's spread across the US and Canada, finding it affected multiple states and provinces between 1843-45.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 15, 2024

Increased access to opioids, shrinking economic safety net boost U.S. suicide rates

A new University of Colorado Boulder study suggests that increased access to potentially lethal prescription opioids has made it easier for women to end their lives. The study also found that a shrinking federal safety net has contributed to rising suicide rates during tough economic times, particularly among all adults.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalJournal of Health and Social Behavior·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 15, 2024

Neolithic groups from the south of the Iberian Peninsula first settled permanently in San Fernando (Cadiz) 6,200 years ago

The first Neolithic farmers and shepherds in Andalusia settled permanently on the island of San Fernando, Cadiz, 6,200 years ago. They collected and consumed shellfish throughout the year, with a greater exploitation during the colder months of autumn, winter, and early spring.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalArchaeological and Anthropological Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 15, 2024

New peer-reviewed EWG study finds little-known toxic crop chemical in four out of five people tested

A new EWG study has found chlormequat, a little-known pesticide, in 77% of urine samples from people tested between 2017 and 2023. The chemical is linked to reproductive and developmental problems in animal studies, suggesting potential harm to humans. EWG calls for increased research and regulation on chlormequat.

SourceEnvironmental Working Group·JournalJournal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 15, 2024

An important molecular pathway for control of aging is discovered

Researchers found that dysregulation of RNA transfer between cells in different tissues shortens lifespan in roundworms. They demonstrated that this phenomenon, termed Intercellular/Extracellular Systemic RNA imbalance (InExS), can be caused by an increase in RNA uptake from the environment, leading to a reduction in organism's lifespan.

New treatment for a rare and aggressive cancer improves survival rates in breakthrough clinical trial

A new treatment combining a novel drug with traditional chemotherapy has been shown to increase the survival of patients with malignant mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer. The ATOMIC-meso trial found that this treatment quadrupled the survival at 36 months compared to placebo-chemotherapy.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalJAMA Oncology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 15, 2024

A new design for quantum computers

Natalia Chepiga's new design for quantum computers allows for more complex simulations and enables the creation of a 'steering wheel' to tune into interesting phenomena. This upgrade will facilitate breakthroughs in understanding nature and revolutionize society, with applications in finance, encryption, and data storage.

SourceDelft University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 15, 2024

Study finds new inhalable therapy is a big step forward in lung cancer research

Researchers at Columbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science have developed a new inhalable therapy that delivers IL-12 mRNA directly to the lungs, demonstrating potential as a tumor suppressor. The therapy uses nanobubbles called exosomes to deliver the mRNA, which kickstarts lung immune cells to fight cancer.

Pusan National University researchers reveal how diabetes weakens gum defense

Researchers from Pusan National University discovered a link between diabetes and periodontitis, showing pro-inflammatory cytokines rise in classical monocytes. The study highlights the systemic impact of these conditions on immune regulation and suggests a potential therapeutic target to reduce diabetes risk.

SourcePusan National University·JournalClinical and Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 15, 2024

1,000 atomic qubits and rising

Researchers at TU Darmstadt have successfully demonstrated a quantum-processing architecture with over 1,000 individually controllable atomic qubits. This breakthrough enables the development of highly beneficial applications in fields such as drug development and traffic optimization.

Researchers observe highly excited ‘roaming’ energy pathway in chemical reactions

Chemical reactions were long thought to occur along minimum energy paths. However, researchers have now observed 'roaming' reactions that stray from this path even in highly excited energy states. This discovery has significant implications for understanding atmospheric chemistry and the production of molecular oxygen.

Oxygen increased in the tropical ocean during the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum

Researchers found that oxygen availability increased in shallow subsurface waters despite global warming during the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum. This increase was consistent with predictions from ocean circulation models, which suggest a compensation effect may help explain moderate levels of extinction observed during this period.

Methane emissions from wetlands increase significantly over high latitudes

Researchers from Berkeley Lab found significant increases in wetland methane emissions in Arctic and Boreal ecosystems, with emissions rising by approximately nine percent since 2002. Temperature and plant productivity were identified as major drivers of these changes, highlighting the urgent need to quantify natural sources of methane.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Climate Change·DateFeb 15, 2024

Scientists develop color-changing dyes that light up cellular activity and enable “time travel” within cells

Researchers have created fluorescent, colour-changing dyes that can visualise multiple distinct biological environments using only one dye. These dyes enable 'time travel' within cells by allowing scientists to distinguish between cellular and delivery vessel environments in real-time. The breakthrough has significant implications for ...

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalChem·DateFeb 15, 2024

Studies with more diverse teams of authors get more citations

A recent study by the University of Surrey analyzed articles published in the Journal of Management Studies over the last decade and found that diverse research teams lead to more citations. The study reveals that internationality, interdisciplinarity, and gender diversity among authors all contribute to increased citation rates.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalJournal of Management Studies·DateFeb 15, 2024

PSEP: an innovative wearable device for fashionable personal thermal comfort

Researchers develop PSEP, a compact and silent wearable thermal control device that offers real-time flow-rate monitoring and self-sensing capability. The device can adjust temperatures by up to 3°C, enhancing personal comfort and features an intuitive smartphone interface for seamless wireless control.

SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 15, 2024

Introducing Cresomycin, a synthetic antimicrobial molecule highly effective against multidrug-resistant bacteria

Researchers developed cresomycin, a conformally restricted antibiotic molecule that optimizes for ribosomal binding, inhibiting Gram-negative and positive bacteria, including multi-drug resistant strains. The findings portend favorably for the future discovery of antibacterial agents broadly effective against antimicrobial resistance.

Earthquake fatality measure offers new way to estimate impact on countries

The EQFL measurement calculates earthquake-related fatalities as a ratio to the country's population size, revealing Ecuador, Lebanon, Haiti, Turkmenistan, Iran, and Portugal have experienced the greatest impact. Smaller countries suffer more from earthquake fatalities due to their larger proportion of their population.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalBulletin of the Seismological Society of America·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 15, 2024

Study reveals accelerated aging in women living with HIV

A recent study by Rutgers Health professor Stephanie Shiau and colleagues found that women with HIV experience accelerated DNA aging, linked to poorer physical function. The research highlights the unique challenges faced by women with HIV as they age, emphasizing the need for tailored interventions.

SourceRutgers University·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 15, 2024

Which countries are most likely to make the deep sustainability turn?

A new study identifies countries with high potential for transformative change, combining data on attitudes, institutional quality, environmental regulations, and more. Sweden tops the list, while Kuwait ranks last, highlighting the need for policymakers to reconsider how societies think about science and technology.

SourceEstonian Research Council·JournalTechnological Forecasting and Social Change·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 15, 2024

How parents can help prevent the development of ADHD symptoms

A new study published by a University of Waterloo researcher suggests that specific parenting behaviors, such as guiding verbal and physical cues, can help break down pathways leading to ADHD symptoms. Early targeted intervention is crucial in predicting the development of ADHD symptoms in children with exuberant temperament.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalResearch on Child and Adolescent Psychopathology·DateFeb 15, 2024

The ties that bind

A common mineral in red soils, goethite locks away trace metals over time, rendering them unavailable for plants and animals. The study found that up to 70% of nickel was non-recoverable and only 8% of cadmium was irreversibly bound.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateFeb 15, 2024

The brain processes speech and its echo separately

A recent study published in PLOS Biology found that the human brain can segregate direct speech from its echo, allowing for reliable recognition of echoic speech. This neural separation is essential for understanding conversations in noisy environments and is supported by magnetoencephalography recordings.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 15, 2024

Study shows background checks don’t always check out

A new study by University of Maryland researchers found that background checks can produce inaccurate results due to flawed data and algorithmic errors. The study showed that over half of participants had false-positive errors and nearly 90% had false-negative errors on both regulated and unregulated background checks.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalCriminology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 15, 2024

UCLA-led research results in FDA approval of 4-drug combination for frontline treatment of metastatic pancreatic cancer

A four-drug chemotherapy regimen, NALIRIFOX, has been approved by the FDA for frontline treatment of metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma. The regimen, combining irinotecan liposome, oxaliplatin, leucovorin, and fluorouracil, resulted in longer overall survival compared to a two-drug protocol.

Inequities in HIV testing, diagnosis and care for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities

A study by Michigan Medicine University found large disparities in HIV care for Black patients, those with autism, and individuals with co-occurring intellectual disabilities. These groups were less likely to receive antiretroviral therapy, highlighting the need for better support and education.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Intellectual Disability Research·DateFeb 15, 2024

Hackensack meridian health biologist-turned-med student publishes COVID-19 vaccine study

A clinical study published in Microbiology Spectrum found that COVID-19 vaccines still provide a robust immune response in immunocompromised individuals, including cancer patients undergoing treatment. This finding is crucial for clinicians and patients, as it suggests vaccination can help prevent infection and disease progression.

SourceHackensack Meridian Health·JournalMicrobiology Spectrum·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 15, 2024

Do AI-driven chemistry labs actually work? New metrics promise answers

Researchers at North Carolina State University are developing a suite of performance metrics to standardize the evaluation of self-driving labs in chemistry and materials science. These metrics aim to compare different lab technologies and identify areas for improvement, ultimately advancing the field and accelerating discovery.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNature Communications·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateFeb 15, 2024

New study by researchers at UNC-Chapel Hill finds chemical composition of US air pollution changed over time

A new study by researchers at UNC-Chapel Hill found that the chemical composition of US air pollution has changed over time. The analysis of space and time trends for fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in the continental US suggests targeted strategies to reduce specific pollutants for different regions can further reduce total air pollut...

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalAtmospheric Environment·DateFeb 15, 2024

Measuring neutrons to reduce nuclear waste

Researchers at the University of Tokyo have developed a method to accurately measure and predict neutron-induced transmutation, which can make nuclear waste more stable. This technique could lead to improved nuclear waste treatment facilities and new theories about the creation of heavier elements in the universe.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalPhysics Letters B·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 15, 2024

Chronic fatigue syndrome: number of patients is expected to double due to long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic

A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine identifies potential biomarkers for ME/CFS diagnosis and treatment. Researchers found that patients can be divided into subgroups based on immune system function, revealing differences in intestinal barrier function and immune competence.

SourceMedical University of Vienna·JournalJournal of Clinical Medicine·DateFeb 15, 2024

Protein-rich breakfast boosts satiety and concentration

A new Danish study finds that a protein-rich breakfast increases satiety and improves concentration, but eating the same meal in larger quantities may lead to consuming more calories. The study's results suggest that replacing a carbohydrate-rich diet with a protein-rich diet can have a positive impact on preventing weight gain.

SourceAarhus University·JournalJournal of Dairy Science·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 15, 2024

Overconsumption of fructose by parents increases risk of cardiometabolic disease in offspring, study shows

Rats fed high-fructose diets exhibit disturbances in autonomic nervous and cardiovascular systems, increasing risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and obesity. Fructose consumption by parents is also associated with impaired physiological regulation of their offspring's cardiovascular system.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity·DateFeb 15, 2024

Study: Ablative stereotactic magnetic resonance-guided adaptive radiation therapy may improve overall survival in patients with pancreatic cancer

The Phase 2 SMART trial demonstrates that ablative stereotactic magnetic resonance-guided adaptive radiation therapy improves local control (LC) and overall survival (OS) in patients with borderline resectable and locally advanced pancreas cancer. Long-term outcomes show encouraging OS and limited toxicity.

SourceBaptist Health South Florida·JournalRadiotherapy and Oncology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 15, 2024