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Science News for February 29, 2024


Astronomers reveal a new link between water and planet formation

Researchers have discovered water vapor in the disc around a young star exactly where planets are forming. The Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) enabled detailed images and spatially resolved observations, revealing three times as much water as Earth's oceans in the inner disc of the HL Tauri star.

SourceESO·JournalNature Astronomy·DateFeb 29, 2024

Turning waste into gold

Scientists at ETH Zurich have developed a novel method to extract gold from electronic waste using a protein matrix sponge. This sustainable approach yields a high percentage of gold recovery with minimal energy consumption, making it commercially viable.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateFeb 29, 2024

Loneliness increases the risk of health deterioration in older adults

A recent study from Amsterdam UMC and the University of Glasgow found that loneliness increases physical frailty, leading to a higher risk of depression, falls, and cognitive decline in older adults. The research analysis more than 130 studies and revealed that reduced social functioning is associated with physical decline in older adu...

SourceAmsterdam University Medical Center·JournalThe Lancet Healthy Longevity·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 29, 2024

Wildfire smoke disproportionately affects California's Indigenous communities, new research shows

Researchers found that Indigenous communities in California were exposed to 1.7 times more wildfire smoke than expected, with the average annual exposure being a critical factor in understanding long-term health effects. The study proposes new metrics to measure cumulative exposure and duration of smoke exposure.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 29, 2024

Scientists ID burned bodies using technique used for extracting DNA from wooly mammoths, Neanderthals

Researchers at Binghamton University have developed a new technique to extract usable DNA from bones of fire victims, allowing identification through dental records or DNA testing. The method uses two different techniques to extract DNA, one suitable for temperatures below 350 degrees and the other for hotter fires.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalJournal of Forensic Sciences·DateFeb 29, 2024

IBEC and ISGlobal scientists develop an innovative compound effective against malaria and leishmaniasis

A team of IBEC and ISGlobal scientists developed an innovative compound effective against both malaria and leishmaniasis. The compound, YAT2150, was originally designed as an antimalarial drug but showed high efficacy against leishmaniasis, making it a promising candidate for treating co-infections.

SourceInstitute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC)·JournalAntimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 29, 2024

Tiny magnetic particles in air pollution linked to development of Alzheimer’s

Research suggests that magnetite particles, found in air pollution, can induce signs and symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. The study exposed mice to fine particles of iron, magnetite, and diesel hydrocarbons, finding that magnetite induced Alzheimer's disease pathologies, including neuronal cell loss and amyloid plaque formation.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalEnvironment International·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 29, 2024

Scientists develop novel RNA- or DNA-based substances to protect plants from viruses

Researchers at Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg developed novel RNA- or DNA-based substances that reliably fight off viral infections in plants. The new approach uses antisense oligonucleotides to target specific viral RNA molecules, achieving an impressive up to 90% success rate against a common virus.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 29, 2024

New role for bacterial enzyme in gut metabolism revealed

Researchers at Penn State have identified a bacterial enzyme, bile salt hydrolase, that produces new bile acid species in humans at birth, coinciding with the establishment of the gut microbiome. This discovery opens up new avenues for exploring the role of bile acids in human health and disease.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature·DateFeb 29, 2024

A new plant’s name that tells a story

Researchers from Kobe University have discovered a new plant genus and species of Thismiaceae family, found primarily in southern Japan. The plant, named Relictithismia kimotsukiensis, feeds on fungal mycelia and is extremely rare, with only four individuals found in the same area.

SourceKobe University·JournalJournal of Plant Research·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 29, 2024

Climate: 2023 – 24 El Niño likely to cause record-breaking average temperatures in some areas

The 2023-24 El Niño phenomenon is likely to cause record-breaking average surface air temperatures in some areas, including the Bay of Bengal and the Philippines. Global mean surface temperatures are predicted to break historical records with a 90% chance under a moderate or strong El Niño scenario.

SourceScientific Reports·JournalScientific Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 29, 2024

Childhood tonsillectomy not linked to obesity in adulthood

A new study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine found that childhood tonsillectomy is not associated with an increased risk of obesity in adulthood. The research followed 132 children who underwent tonsillectomy for obstructive sleep apnea and found no link to weight gain in adulthood.

SourceBen-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 29, 2024

Conventional supply-side energy policies overlook benefits of demand-side policy approaches

Conventional supply-side policies overlook benefits of demand-side policy approaches, which can improve energy security through continuity, affordability, and sustainability. A novel analysis by Nuno Bento et al. shows that demand-side actions outperform supply-side approaches in making countries more resilient to energy crises.

New model of key brain tumor feature could help scientists understand how to develop new treatments

A new model of glioblastoma's key feature, oncostreams, could help scientists understand how to develop new treatments for this aggressive brain cancer. The model, developed by a team at the University of Michigan, identifies a potential inhibitor that appears to dismantle oncostreams, leading to better survival in mouse models.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 29, 2024

General Medical Council urged to revise terminology for international medical graduates

The General Medical Council's definition of international medical graduates (IMGs) is being challenged as it overlooks doctors from the European Economic Area (EEA). A commentary argues that the term should include all doctors practicing in the UK with primary medical qualifications from outside the UK, including those from EEA countries.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of the Royal Society of Medicine·DateFeb 29, 2024

When the music changes, so does the dance: Controlling cooperative electronic states in Kagome metals

A team of scientists has developed a novel strain-free approach to investigate the intrinsic electronic ground state of Kagome superconductors. This study provides a unifying picture of the controversial charge order in Kagome metals, highlighting the need for material control at the microscopic scale.

SourceMax Planck Institute for the Structure and Dynamics of Matter·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 29, 2024

A new method for successfully measuring electrical conductivity in microorganisms―approaching understanding of microbial ecosystems

A new bioelectronic system has been developed to measure electrical conductivity in microorganisms without requiring biofilm formation on electrodes. This approach has revealed that Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus subtilis possess conductive properties, with potential applications in environmental energy technologies.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateFeb 29, 2024

Uptick in behavioral disorders reported in children following prenatal exposure to anesthesia

A new study published at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health found that prenatal exposure to general anesthesia for maternal surgery during pregnancy significantly increases the risk of disruptive or internalizing behavioral disorders, including ADHD and autism, in children. The study suggests that safer anesthetic drug...

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalBritish Journal of Anaesthesia·DateFeb 29, 2024

Notre Dame literacy research can improve learning outcomes and fight global poverty

Researchers evaluated an early-grade literacy intervention in Haiti, identifying factors that influenced outcomes, including instructional time, curriculum uptake, and school leadership. The study's findings can inform future literacy interventions to create opportunity for millions of children globally.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalComparative Education Review·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 29, 2024

Convergent evolution of algal CO2-fixing organelles

Researchers identified pyrenoid-associated proteins in a marine chlorarachniophyte alga, suggesting independent evolution of CO2-fixing organelles in each algal group. These findings have implications for genetic engineering to increase photosynthetic performance and improve crop productivity.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 29, 2024

Radiation from massive stars shapes planetary systems

A study of the Orion Nebula reveals that massive stars play a crucial role in shaping planetary systems. The intense ultraviolet radiation from these stars can either facilitate or hinder planet formation, depending on the mass of the star at the system's center.

SourceCNRS·JournalScience·DateFeb 29, 2024

Turbocharging CRISPR to understand how the immune system fights cancer

Researchers have developed a new CRISPR-based approach to study the function of immune genes, bypassing challenges of modifying immune cells. By targeting stem cells that produce immune cells, scientists can knock out specific genes in different cell types at various times, providing greater insight into gene interactions and their rol...

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 29, 2024

Parents, wealth, race drive girls’ chances to play sports

A study by Ohio State University researchers found that socioeconomic status consistently underlies other factors affecting opportunities for girls to participate in sports. Higher family socioeconomic status increased the likelihood of girls playing most sports, while lower-income schools had a negative impact on participation rates.

SourceOhio State University·JournalSociological Focus·DateFeb 29, 2024

Ice shell thickness reveals water temperature on ocean worlds

Researchers at Cornell University have devised a novel way to determine ocean temperatures of distant worlds based on the thickness of their ice shells. This technique can be used to enhance NASA's mission findings about Europa and Enceladus, two Jovian and Saturnian moons that could potentially support life.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Planets·DateFeb 29, 2024

Healthy sleep needs a healthy day: boost exercise to beat your bedtime blues

A world-first study from the University of South Australia reveals that getting a good night's sleep is tied to how you structure your day, with exercise at the heart of sleep quality. Children and adults with higher levels of moderate to vigorous physical activity had less troubled sleep, reduced tiredness, and better sleep quality.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalSleep Health·TypeCase study·DateFeb 29, 2024

‘Don’t treat us like fragile babies’: Can intergenerational mentorship programs reduce ageism in medicine?

A recent study found that intergenerational mentorship programs can help overcome ageism in healthcare by providing meaningful connections between older adults and medical students. The programs, which involve younger students working with older mentors, help to break down stereotypes and promote a better understanding of older people'...

SourceGeorge Mason University·JournalJournal of Intergenerational Relationships·DateFeb 29, 2024

Pusan National University researchers improve the stability of perovskite solar cells

A team of researchers from Pusan National University developed a method to enhance the stability of perovskite solar cells using crown ether B18C6. This approach resulted in improved power conversion efficiency and resistance to moisture, addressing key issues such as lead leakage and degradation due to environmental factors. The study...

SourcePusan National University·JournalJournal of Energy Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 29, 2024

Lake ecosystems: Nitrogen has been underestimated

A study reveals that nitrogen plays a crucial role in phytoplankton growth in shallow lakes worldwide, contradicting traditional limnological consensus. The research team analyzed data from 159 lakes and found that 60% exhibit dual-nutrient limitation, where both phosphorus and nitrogen affect phytoplankton growth.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 29, 2024

Groundbreaking study unveils unique roles of yeast protein complexes in cellular lifespan and environmental response by rationally engineering based on the predicted three-dimensional structures

Researchers discovered that two types of TORC1 complexes in yeast play unique roles in cellular responses to stress and lifespan regulation. The study's findings provide new insights into molecular evolution, cellular signaling pathways, and age-related diseases, offering promising avenues for human health advancements.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalJournal of Cell Science·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 29, 2024

Building a healthier state from the inside out

New Flinders University research reveals that health economists can play a key role in improving hospital efficiency and decision-making in Australia. By analyzing data and engaging with clinicians, health economists can inform budget decisions and prioritize areas of greatest improvement. The study's findings provide a basis for the b...

SourceFlinders University·JournalInternational Journal of Technology Assessment in Health Care·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 29, 2024

Overcoming barriers to conducting clinical trials in childhood rare disease research

A team of scientists at The Hospital for Sick Children developed an innovative statistical approach to demonstrate the effectiveness of a medication in reducing disease progression and liver transplants in children with Alagille syndrome. Using data from an international real-world cohort, they found a 70% improvement in event-free sur...

SourceThe Hospital for Sick Children·JournalHepatology·DateFeb 29, 2024

Mass-produced, commercial promising multicolored photochromic fiber

A team of scientists has created a highly flexible, uniformly luminescent photochromic fiber that can achieve uniform light emission and wide color gamut control. The fiber is designed to be mass-producible and integrated into various wearable interactive interfaces, enabling diversified interactions such as emotion and communication.

Cyber-physical heating system may protect apple blossoms in orchards

Researchers developed an autonomous heating system that uses real-time temperature and wind-direction data to warm fruit tree canopies. The system resulted in significantly reduced damage to apple tree buds in tests, with increased canopy protection times of over double and nearly triple in low temperatures.

SourcePenn State·JournalComputers and Electronics in Agriculture·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 29, 2024

KAIST team develops an insect-mimicking semiconductor to detect motion​

A KAIST team developed an insect-mimicking semiconductor that mimics the optic nerve of insects to detect motion. The device operates at high efficiency and ultra-high speeds, and has been applied to a neuromorphic computing system for predicting vehicle paths. It achieved 92.9% less energy consumption compared to existing technology.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 29, 2024

Opening pores for fuel cells and more

Researchers have developed a chemical etching method to widen the pores of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), which could improve their applications in fuel cells and as catalysts. The new MOF structure enables faster transfer of chemicals, enhancing activity and stability.

SourceNagoya University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateFeb 29, 2024

Eco-labeling: self or certification?

A study found that upstream and downstream companies in supply chains have conflicting eco-label selection preferences, with suppliers preferring certification labels and manufacturers opting for self-labeling. Multi-level certification labels may be more effective when consumers lack trust in self-labeling and green investments are low.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalSustainable Operations and Computers·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 29, 2024

Shining a light on the effects of habituation and neural adaptation on the evolution of animal signals

A new paper explores the impact of habituation and neural adaptation on male mate choice signals, suggesting that these mechanisms may favor rapid divergence and diversity. The study proposes a more nuanced understanding of female responses to male signals, including the role of sensory adaptation in shaping mate choice.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalThe Quarterly Review of Biology·DateFeb 29, 2024

Rice lab finds better way to handle hard-to-recycle material

Rice University researchers have developed a new, energy-efficient process to upcycle glass fiber-reinforced plastic (GFRP) into silicon carbide, widely used in semiconductors and sandpaper. The method involves heating the mixture of GFRP and carbon to extremely high temperatures, transforming it into conductive silicon carbide.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Sustainability·DateFeb 29, 2024

Ultraviolet “winds” erode a young star’s protoplanetary disk in Orion Nebula

A new study directly observes far-ultraviolet-driven photoevaporation of a protoplanetary disk in the Orion Nebula. This process strips the disk of gas and dust, potentially suppressing gas giant planet formation within a million years. The findings provide insights into constraints of gas giant planet formation in our Solar System.

Black mountain unveils fossil trove

A team of researchers has unveiled over 200 well-preserved fossils from Queensland's Black Mountain, revealing intricate siphuncle morphology in Plectronoceratids. The discovery challenges previous interpretations and advocates for a revised taxonomy, consolidating multiple species under the order Plectronoceratida.

SourcePeerJ·JournalPeerJ·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 29, 2024

Does trying to look younger reduce how much ageism older adults face?

A study reveals that feeling young appears to reduce ageism among older adults, but those who invest in appearance are more likely to experience negative outcomes. Those who feel younger score higher on positive age-related experiences and lower on negative ageism, while those who look older face increased negative ageism and poor health.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalPsychology and Aging·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 29, 2024

Study uncovers the influence of the livestock industry on climate policy through university partnerships

A recent study reveals how animal agriculture companies shape public discourse and policymaking in their favor, downplaying their role in climate change. Industry-funded efforts have been bolstered by collaborations with academic researchers, hindering meaningful action on climate change mitigation.

NYC ranks safest among big US cities for gun violence, new research from NYU Tandon School of Engineering reveals

A recent study by researchers at NYU Tandon School of Engineering found that NYC is the safest among large US cities in terms of gun violence. The study used a data analytics measure called Scale-Adjusted Metropolitan Indicators (SAMIs) to filter out population effects and compare cities of different sizes.

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·JournalNature Cities·DateFeb 29, 2024

Hai-quan Huang's research team at Southwest Forestry University has revealed the cellular and molecular basis of the spur development in Impatiens uliginosa

A study published in Horticulture Research has uncovered the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the spur development in Impatiens uliginosa. The research found that early cell division and anisotropic cell elongation are crucial for spur growth, with hormones such as auxin playing a significant role in regulating this process.

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalHorticulture Research·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 29, 2024

Slimming down a colossal fossil whale

A new analysis of Perucetus colossus, a 30 million year-old fossil whale, estimates its weight to be between 60-70 tons, significantly less than the original estimate of 180 metric tons. This revised size allows the whale to maintain neutral buoyancy in water and come to the surface to breathe.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalPeerJ·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 29, 2024

Discovery of primitive mitochondrial DNA replication enzymes

Researchers identified 10 new types of DNA polymerase involved in mitochondrial DNA maintenance, including rdxPolA, which is a direct descendant of the α-proteobacterial symbiont that gave rise to the first mitochondrion. The study provides critical insights into the early evolution of mitochondrial DNA maintenance machinery.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateFeb 29, 2024

Highest quality in residential elder care homes without profit incentives

A new study by University of Gothenburg researchers shows that non-profit organizations provide the highest-quality elderly care in Swedish residential care homes. These homes have the highest staff density, most competent care staff, and highest resident satisfaction compared to homes run by profit-making companies.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalJournal of Public Administration Research and Theory·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 29, 2024

UC Davis Health team uses AI to predict risk of liver cancer

A machine-learning model developed by UC Davis Health clinicians and data scientists can accurately predict the risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). The model, which was validated on a large dataset, identified four additional risk factors a...

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalGastro Hep Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 29, 2024

Young researcher makes surprising methane discovery in Yukon glaciers: "Much more widespread than we thought"

A young researcher from the University of Copenhagen has made a surprising discovery of high concentrations of methane in meltwater from three Canadian mountain glaciers. The findings challenge previous assumptions that methane in meltwater could only be found in oxygen-free environments under large ice masses.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalArctic Antarctic and Alpine Research·DateFeb 29, 2024

Refrigerate lettuce to reduce risk of E. coli contamination, researchers say

A new study from the University of Illinois examines factors affecting E. coli contamination on five leafy greens, including romaine and spinach. Researchers found that refrigeration significantly reduces E. coli growth on lettuce, while kale and collards are less susceptible due to their natural antimicrobial properties.

Driving an electric car is cheaper in some parts of Canada than others

A new study from the University of British Columbia found that driving an electric car is cheaper in some regions of Canada, such as Quebec and BC, than others, like Nunavut. The researchers analyzed factors like tax rebates, charging costs, and electricity prices to determine the break-even point for electric cars.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalEnvironmental Research Infrastructure and Sustainability·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 29, 2024

Researchers uncover a potential genetic marker associated with better survival outcomes in patients with head and neck cancer

A study published in Cancer Research Communications reveals a potential genetic marker associated with better survival outcomes in patients with head and neck cancer. The researchers found that the presence of a specific genetic variant and higher expression of the GAN gene product gigaxonin may contribute to improved survival rates.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalCancer Research Communications·DateFeb 29, 2024