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Science News for February 27, 2024


Gardeners can help identify potentially invasive plants

Researchers have created an online survey to gather information from gardeners about ornamental plants showing 'invasive behaviour'. The results identified 251 potential invaders, including Mexican fleabane and Himalayan honeysuckle, highlighting the critical role of gardeners in early detection and prevention strategies.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalNeoBiota·DateFeb 27, 2024

Reaching federal youth sport participation goal could save US billions of dollars

Achieving the Healthy People 2030 youth sports participation goal could save $80 billion by improving children's physical and mental health. The study found that increasing youth sports participation by 12.6% could decrease overweight and obesity prevalence by 3.37%, resulting in 1.71 million fewer cases of overweight/obesity.

SourceCUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 27, 2024

UMass Amherst researchers identify enzyme key to training cells to fight autoimmune disorders

Researchers at UMass Amherst have identified PRMT5 as a key regulator of suppressive activity in immune cells, which can be trained to correct overzealous immune responses. This discovery may lay the foundation for drug-free, side-effect-free treatments for patients with autoimmune disorders such as aplastic anemia.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·DateFeb 27, 2024

Long-term survivors of childhood cancer at higher risk of death following heart issues; threshold for treating risk factors should be lower

Long-term childhood cancer survivors face a significantly higher risk of death from heart-related events compared to the general public. Dyslipidemia and hypertension are key risk factors that should be treated earlier, with statins potentially providing increased protection.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateFeb 27, 2024

Study details five cutting-edge advances in biomedical engineering and their applications in medicine

A study by 50 experts reveals five cutting-edge biomedical engineering advances with significant applications in medicine, including precision engineering, on-demand tissue engineering, and advanced brain interface systems. These advances aim to transform the practice of medicine, impacting various conditions and diseases.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalIEEE Open Journal of Engineering in Medicine and Biology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 27, 2024

Lightweight yet strong: Pioneering aluminum-magnesium laminates set to transform aerospace and automotive industries

The study introduces Al/Mg/Al laminates with large thickness ratios, showcasing enhanced mechanical properties and interfacial bonding strength. The optimal ITR of 20 yields the best comprehensive mechanical properties, maximizing ultimate tensile strength and yield strength while achieving high interfacial bonding strength.

SourceCentral South University·JournalTransactions of Nonferrous Metals Society of China·DateFeb 27, 2024

Traditional regression approach outperformed machine learning algorithms in predicting optimal surgical method in patients with submucosal tumors.

A study compared traditional logistic regression models and machine learning algorithms to predict the best surgical technique for patients with submucosal tumors. The traditional regression approach was found to outperform ML algorithms, with morphology ranking as the highest contributor to prediction accuracy.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalGastroenterology & Endoscopy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 27, 2024

Sinusitis linked to 40% heightened risk of rheumatic disease

Research published in RMD Open journal found a strong association between sinusitis and rheumatic disease, with the highest risks for blood clotting disorder and Sjögren’s syndrome. The study used data from Rochester Epidemiology Project and included 1729 adults diagnosed with various rheumatic diseases.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalRMD Open·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 27, 2024

Exposure to secondhand smoke during chemotherapy makes treatment less effective, study shows

Head and neck cancer patients exposed to secondhand smoke during chemotherapy have reduced treatment effectiveness. Secondhand smoke alters protein expression, restricting chemotherapy's ability to kill cancer cells. This raises concerns about cancer prognosis and the importance of smoking cessation.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·TypeNews article·DateFeb 27, 2024

The West is best to spot UFOs

A new study analyzed 98,000 UAP sighting reports over a 20-year period, finding that the majority occurred in western parts of the US. The researchers identified 'hot spots' with high numbers of reports and 'cold spots' with low numbers.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 27, 2024

Positronium laser cooling

Researchers successfully cooled positronium atoms to record-low temperatures of 170 K, significantly reducing their transverse velocity component. This achievement has far-reaching implications for precision spectroscopy and the study of quantum electrodynamics.

SourcePolitecnico di Milano·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 27, 2024

Study from 50 top scientists including Spaulding Rehabilitation researcher describes five cutting-edge advances in biomedical engineering and their applications in medicine

A consortium of 50 renowned researchers from 34 prestigious universities identifies five primary medical challenges that can be addressed with advanced biomedical engineering approaches, aiming to improve human health. The paper outlines a roadmap for groundbreaking research and funding to achieve technological and medical breakthroughs.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalIEEE Open Journal of Engineering in Medicine and Biology·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateFeb 27, 2024

Drug-resistant tuberculosis responds rapidly to bedaquiline-based second-line therapy

Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine found that patients with drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) respond similarly to those with drug-sensitive TB when treated with bedaquiline-based second-line medications. The study suggests that treatment duration for drug-resistant TB may be shortened, potentially reducing mortality rates.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateFeb 27, 2024

Researchers find three companies own more than 19,000 rental houses in metro Atlanta

A new Georgia State study reveals that Invitation Homes, Pretium Partners, and Amherst Holdings control over 11% of single-family homes available for rent in metro Atlanta's core counties. The three companies own tens of thousands of properties in select neighborhoods, allowing them to exercise significant market power over tenants.

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalAnnals of the American Association of Geographers·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 27, 2024

AI-driven lab speeds catalysis research

Researchers developed an AI-driven lab called Fast-Cat that uses artificial intelligence to provide in-depth analyses of catalytic reactions. The tool conducts high-temperature gas-liquid reactions and analyzes results to determine how different variables affect the outcome of each experiment.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNature Chemical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 27, 2024

Sniffing our way to better health

Researchers have discovered that certain volatile compounds emitted by microbes and food can alter epigenetic states in neurons and other eukaryotic cells. Exposure to these compounds can slow down neurodegeneration and cancer, while also affecting plant growth and responses to stress.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 27, 2024

Live video streaming from trauma incidents to emergency medical services is easy for members of the public to use and is feasible to evaluate – a new study finds

A new study led by the University of Surrey found that live video streaming from trauma incidents to emergency medical services using smartphones is feasible to implement and evaluate. The technology could aid decision-making about dispatching the right personnel and vehicles to major trauma incidents.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalScandinavian Journal of Trauma Resuscitation and Emergency Medicine·DateFeb 27, 2024

Are ChatGPT exercise recommendations just what the doctor ordered?

A recent UConn study assessed the accuracy of ChatGPT's exercise recommendations, revealing that the AI provided only 41% of the expected content in a gold-standard recommendation. The chatbot demonstrated high accuracy for general guidelines but failed to provide key elements such as frequency, intensity, and type of physical activity.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalJMIR Medical Education·TypeSystematic review·DateFeb 27, 2024

Researchers uncover new clues about links between parent age and congenital disorders

A new study found that the link between paternal age and rare congenital disorders is more complex than previously thought. Researchers discovered that while older fathers are more likely to have children with certain bone and heart malformations, some genetic mutations associated with these conditions do not increase with paternal age.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalGenome Biology and Evolution·TypeContent analysis·DateFeb 27, 2024

Concerted efforts urgently needed to meet 2030 Global Alcohol Action Plan targets

The 2030 Global Alcohol Action Plan aims to reduce alcohol consumption by 20% by 2030, but few countries are implementing measures to reduce affordability, availability, and marketing. Health scientists warn that failure to meet targets will have dire consequences for low/middle-income countries with expanding alcohol markets.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Global Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 27, 2024

HPV’s hidden hand: New study by Pusan National University scientists reveals key details in head and neck cancer microenvironment

A recent study by Pusan National University scientists discovered the crucial role of PKM gene and EPHA2 pathway in HNSCC development. The research highlights the importance of HPV infection status in shaping the tumor microenvironment, enabling precision medicine for targeted treatment.

SourcePusan National University·JournalJournal of Medical Virology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 27, 2024

Diamonds are a chip's best friend

Researchers at Kyoto University have determined the magnitude of spin-orbit interaction in acceptor-bound excitons in a semiconductor. The study revealed two triplets separated by a spin-orbit splitting of 14.3 meV, supporting the hypothesis that two positively charged holes are more strongly bound than an electron-and-hole pair.

SourceKyoto University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 27, 2024

Biodiversity appears to strongly suppress pathogens and pests in many plant and animal systems, but this “dilution effect” can vary strikingly in magnitude

A study using forest inventory data from over 25,000 plots found that biodiversity strongly suppresses pathogens and pests in many plant and animal systems. The 'dilution effect' of biodiversity on forest pests is jointly controlled by diversity and phylogenetic composition.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 27, 2024

Imaging grain boundaries that impede lithium-ion migration in solid-state batteries

A research team at NIMS has created a new method for measuring the movement of lithium ions along grain boundaries within solid electrolytes, identifying obstacles and their impact on battery performance. This technique may contribute to the development of higher-performance solid-state batteries.

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry A·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 27, 2024

Synergy palladium single atoms and twinned nanoparticles for efficient CO₂ photoreduction

Researchers engineered the electron density of Pd single atoms with twinned Pd nanoparticles, creating strong electronic metal-support interactions for efficient CO2 photoreduction. The team found that Pd-TPs served as an electron donor, enriching electron density on catalytic centers and accelerating carbonyl desorption.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalAdvanced Powder Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 27, 2024

Advancing climate change research and policy demands knowledge from Indigenous Peoples and local communities, new study reveals

A new study highlights the crucial role of Indigenous Peoples' knowledge in advancing climate change research and policy. The project LICCI, led by Victoria Reyes-García, engaged over 5,000 individuals across 48 diverse cultures and nationalities to document climate change impacts as perceived by local communities.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 27, 2024

The mechanism of SlWRKY80 participating in salt alkali stress through its involvement in JA metabolic pathway

Researchers found that SlWRKY80 positively regulates tomato resistance to saline-alkali stress by enhancing spermidine content and stabilizing Na+/K+ homeostasis through the JA metabolic pathway. Exogenous MeJA application increased endogenous MeJA and JA contents, reducing stress sensitivity in SlWRKY80 knockout lines.

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalHorticulture Research·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 27, 2024

Researchers from IVF-CAAS revealed the molecular mechanism of CsMLO8/11 in regulating cucumber powdery mildew resistance

The study identifies CsMLO8 and CsMLO11 proteins as crucial for full susceptibility to powdery mildew in cucumber stems. These proteins interact with CsCRK2 and CsRbohD, respectively, and compete with them for binding to the C-terminus of CsRbohD.

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalHorticulture Research·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 27, 2024

Social media and adolescent mental health

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine consensus study report highlights different effects of social media on adolescent mental health. Research is recommended to address specific harms such as cyber-stalking and harassment, as well as promote healthy social media use through digital literacy curricula.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateFeb 27, 2024

How ketamine acts fast and slow

Researchers discovered that ketamine's sustained effects involve increasing immature cells' activity, while rapid effects rely on newborn neurons firing more rapidly. This breakthrough opens doors to developing new antidepressant treatments.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalCellular and Molecular Life Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 27, 2024

A survey on federated learning: A perspective from multi-party computation

Federated learning allows multiple data owners to train models collaboratively on sensitive data, enabling applications such as disease prediction and risk assessment. The survey focuses on federated learning with privacy guarantees, exploring techniques like multi-party computation to secure communication and computation.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Computer Science·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 27, 2024

Earth as a test object

The study, published in The Astrophysical Journal, tested the future LIFE mission's capabilities on real spectra using data from NASA's Aqua Earth observation satellite. It demonstrated that a space telescope like LIFE could detect signs of a temperate, habitable world on Earth-like exoplanets.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateFeb 27, 2024

What motivates high-quality medical care: Is it all about money?

A recent study found that quality-based incentives increase the quality of medical treatment, particularly for severe illnesses. However, financial incentives do not necessarily lead to better patient outcomes. The study's results suggest that doctors' altruistic motivations play a crucial role in providing high-quality care.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalJournal of Health Economics·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 27, 2024

Study shows bariatric surgery provides superior long-term treatment for type 2 diabetes in patients with obesity

A 12-year study found that bariatric surgery significantly improves blood glucose control and reduces the need for diabetes medications. Patients who underwent bariatric surgery experienced greater weight loss and higher rates of complete diabetes remission compared to those receiving medical therapy.

SourceCleveland Clinic·JournalJAMA·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 27, 2024

New UC Berkeley-led study reveals widen gap on racial inequality in higher education

A recent study by UC Berkeley researchers found that disparities in Black and Latino students' admission to America's elite colleges have endured and widened over the last 40 years. Despite increased overall college attendance, Black and Latino students are less likely to attend top-tier four-year colleges compared to their White peers.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalSocius Sociological Research for a Dynamic World·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 27, 2024

The team led by professor Xiaohui Hu from Northwest A&F University has revealed a new mechanism in which 5-aminolevulinic acid enhances the cold resistance of tomato plants by regulating the SlMYB4/SlMYB88-SlGSTU43 module to remove reactive oxygen species

Researchers have discovered a new mechanism by which 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) improves cold resistance in tomato plants. The study found that ALA regulates the SlMYB4/SlMYB88-SlGSTU43 module to remove reactive oxygen species, enhancing the plants' tolerance to low-temperature stress.

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalHorticulture Research·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 27, 2024

Projected climate change scenarios augur the disappearance of the Balearic boxwood

The Balearic boxwood, a drought-resistant species in eastern Andalusia, is facing extinction due to climate change. Reduced advection fog will limit its ability to condense fog moisture, threatening biodiversity. Conservation efforts, including seed preservation and habitat protection, are essential to save this unique species.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalDiversity·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 27, 2024

How do we age?

A new probe has been developed to detect senescent cells in organs, which are associated with many age-related diseases. The probe interacts with an enzyme abundant in senescent cells, producing a fluorescent compound excreted in the urine.

SourceUniversitat Politècnica de València·JournalNature Communications·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 27, 2024

Addressing societal concerns of genetic determinism of human behavior by linking environmental influences and genetic research

A new perspective article suggests that integrating environmental effects into genetic research is crucial to understand the intricate nature of gene-environment interactions. The authors propose expanding genome-wide association studies by incorporating environmental data, which could help mitigate deterministic thinking in genetics.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateFeb 27, 2024

Community culture shapes ceramics

A contemporary experiment suggests that ceramic shapes can be used as a proxy for ancient cultures, with variations between communities more pronounced than within. Community-specific deviations in morphological features support this assumption, highlighting individual variation among potters.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateFeb 27, 2024

University of Paderborn researchers use Hawk supercomputer and lean into imperfection to improve solar cell efficiency

A team led by Prof. Wolf Gero Schmidt used Hawk supercomputer to study how strategic impurities in solar cells can improve performance. They discovered that certain defects can improve exciton transfer, leading to more energy captured. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient and climate-friendly energy production.

SourceGauss Centre for Supercomputing·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 27, 2024

Wearable sticker turns hand movements into communication

Researchers developed a wearable sticker that can detect subtle hand movements, enabling individuals with disabilities to communicate more easily. The sensors show high sensitivity and accuracy in recognizing gestures and translating them into words or commands.

SourceOptica·JournalBiomedical Optics Express·DateFeb 27, 2024

Extinctions could result as fish change foraging behaviour in response to rising temperatures

A new study suggests that fish are shifting their focus from less abundant prey to more abundant prey as waters become warmer, leading to a mismatch between their energetic needs and actual food intake. This flexible foraging behaviour may make communities more vulnerable to climate change, increasing the risk of extinctions.