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Science News for February 5, 2024


How ‘deaths of despair’ differ by race and ethnicity

White Americans are more likely to experience 'deaths of despair,' despite lower levels of severe psychological distress, according to a new study. The study suggests that whites are vulnerable to the damaging effects of psychological distress, which can lead to other health issues like obesity and cardiovascular disease.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 5, 2024

It’s true, happiness doesn’t cost much

A recent study by ICTA-UAB found that many societies with very low monetary income have remarkably high levels of life satisfaction, comparable to those in wealthy countries. The average life satisfaction score across the studied small-scale societies was 6.8 on a scale of 0-10.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 5, 2024

From Colombia to Laos: protecting crops through nanotechnology

A breakthrough in DNA sequencing technology has identified the fungus genus Ceratobasidium as the culprit behind cassava witches' broom disease. This discovery will help plant pathologists in Laos and other Southeast Asian countries protect their crops, supporting millions of smallholder farmers who rely on cassava.

UB study challenges the classical view of the origin of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current and warns of its vulnerability

A new study from UB and CSIC challenges the classical view on the origins of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current, a key regulator of the planet's climate. The research reveals that the current dates later than the beginning of the Antarctic glaciation, making it sensitive to changes in climate conditions.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 5, 2024

Study reveals significant discrepancies in common poverty measurement approaches

A new study from Stanford University found significant discrepancies in common poverty measurement approaches, leading to vastly different conclusions about who lives in poverty. The research suggests that the choice of measurement approach can completely change the extent to which programs and policies reach vulnerable populations.

SourceStanford University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 5, 2024

Solving an age-old mystery about crystal formation

University of Houston researcher Peter Vekilov discovers two-step incorporation into crystals, mediated by an intermediate state, solving a 40-year-old riddle. The new paradigm guides the search for solvents and additives to stabilize the intermediate state and slow down unwanted polymorphs.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 5, 2024

Microbial division of labor produces higher biofuel yields

Scientists have developed an artificial microbial community consisting of two engineered yeast strains to produce more ethanol per unit of plant sugars. The team discovered that adding the xylose-fermenting yeast specialist to the mixture first, followed by the glucose specialist, dramatically boosted ethanol production.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 5, 2024

Improving climate predictions by unlocking the secrets of soil microbes

Researchers developed a new model incorporating genetic information from microbes to better understand soil carbon sequestration and plant-microbe interactions. This approach enables more accurate prediction of global carbon cycle changes in climate models, informing agricultural strategies to preserve carbon and mitigate climate change.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Microbiology·DateFeb 5, 2024

Mystery of moths’ warning sound production explained in new study

Researchers at the University of Bristol have discovered how ermine moths produce ultrasonic warning sounds using an 'aeroelastic tymbal'. The mechanism involves the snap-through buckling of a corrugated membrane, amplifying sound production through resonance. This study sheds light on the biomechanics behind moth defense mechanisms.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 5, 2024

In a warming world, climate scientists consider Category 6 hurricanes

Researchers introduce a hypothetical Category 6 hurricane classification to address increasing intensity and damage from hurricanes. With global warming projected to increase storm risks by up to 50% near the Philippines and doubling in the Gulf of Mexico, the new classification aims to raise awareness about the growing threat.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 5, 2024

Influence of voting advice web tools is limited during elections with authoritarian candidates, study shows

A new study published in Electoral Studies found that voting advice applications have short-term effects on voter attitudes and choices in competitive authoritarian regimes. However, these effects are relatively small and dissipate within two months, limiting their practical value in such contexts.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalElectoral Studies·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 5, 2024

Stable binder boosting sulfide solid electrolyte thin membrane for all-solid-state lithium batteries

Researchers have developed a new polymeric binder that enhances the mechanical strength and stability of sulfide solid electrolyte membranes. This breakthrough improves the energy density of all-solid-state lithium batteries, enabling longer cycle life and higher performance.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalEnergy Material Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 5, 2024

Understanding how soil traps carbon

Researchers found that electrostatic charges, structural features of carbon molecules, and surrounding metal nutrients play major roles in soil's ability to trap carbon. The study aims to help predict which soil chemistries are most favorable for trapping carbon.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 5, 2024

Green steel from toxic red mud

Scientists at Max-Planck-Institut für Eisenforschung have developed a method to produce green steel from toxic red mud using an electric arc furnace and hydrogen plasma, potentially saving 1.5 billion tonnes of CO2. The process is also economically viable, requiring only 30-40% iron oxide in the red mud.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateFeb 5, 2024

Primary care housing intervention linked to improved patient health outcomes

Participation in a primary care-based housing program was associated with reduced outpatient visits, improved physical and mental health, and increased feelings of connection to healthcare clinics. The study found that integrated support from the program's care team led to better health outcomes and more stable housing solutions.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalHealth Affairs·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 5, 2024

New study points to more climate extremes

A new study by Flinders University and Argentinian researchers found similarities between long-term climatic changes in South Australia and temperate agricultural areas in Argentina. The research highlights an increase in maximum and minimum temperatures, less precipitation, and more intense droughts and heatwaves.

SourceFlinders University·JournalWater·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 5, 2024

New guideline details acute pain management strategies for adolescent, adult dental patients

The American Dental Association has released a new clinical practice guideline recommending the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) alone or with acetaminophen to manage short-term dental pain in adolescents and adults. The guideline also provides recommendations for prescribing opioid medications, emphasizing caution ...

SourceAmerican Dental Association·JournalThe Journal of the American Dental Association·DateFeb 5, 2024

Mental health care during the COVID-19 era remains inaccessible to many distressed US adults

A recent study found that mental health care access remained inaccessible to many distressed US adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. The rate of serious psychological distress among adults increased from 3.5% to 4.2%, while outpatient mental health care use decreased among older and unemployed adults.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateFeb 5, 2024

Vitamin B12 adaptability in Antarctic algae has implications for climate change, life in the Southern Ocean

A new study on Antarctic algae reveals that they can survive without vitamin B12, a finding with significant implications for climate change and the carbon cycle. The algae, Phaeocystis antarctica, has a fusion B12-independent methionine synthase protein that enables it to adapt to low B12 availability.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 5, 2024

Scientists create effective ‘spark plug’ for direct-drive inertial confinement fusion experiments

Researchers from the University of Rochester's Laboratory for Laser Energetics demonstrated an effective 'spark plug' for direct-drive methods of inertial confinement fusion (ICF), achieving a plasma hot enough to initiate fusion reactions. The successful experiments use the OMEGA laser system, with the goal of eventually producing fus...

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalNature Physics·DateFeb 5, 2024

The surprising secrets of extreme snowfall events in Utah's central Wasatch

A new study published in Monthly Weather Review analyzes hundreds of extreme snowfall events in Utah's central Wasatch Mountains. Researchers found that storm systems carrying relatively little water vapor were still capable of producing heavy snows, and the relationship between high-IVT storms and extreme precipitation is complex.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalMonthly Weather Review·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 5, 2024

Currently stable parts of East Antarctica may be closer to melting than anyone realized

Researchers at Stanford have found that the Wilkes Subglacial Basin in East Antarctica could be closer to runaway melting than previously thought. The study suggests that this region, which holds enough ice to raise global sea levels by over 10 feet, may be vulnerable to irreversible melting if warming seawater gets under the ice sheet.

SourceStanford University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateFeb 5, 2024

Hart receives funding for boot camp

David M. Hart's $159,488 funding aims to bridge the gap between research and policy communities through a weeklong boot camp for early-career researchers. The program will provide valuable insights into public policy-making and support participants in advancing their research while contributing to policy development.

Amsterdam UMC research shows that ultrasound can be used to detect placenta problems in small babies

A study by Amsterdam UMC shows that Doppler ultrasound can detect placenta problems in small babies, identifying those at higher risk of oxygen deficiency and health issues. The measurement is added to the care plan for these undersized babies, allowing for better detection and monitoring of potential problems.

SourceAmsterdam University Medical Center·JournalBritish Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateFeb 5, 2024

Schmidt Sciences awards $1.95M gift to Mount Sinai's Windreich Department of Artificial Intelligence and Human Health to establish The Eric and Wendy Schmidt AI in Human Health Fellowship Program

The Eric and Wendy Schmidt AI in Human Health Fellowship Program will support five fellows over three years, leveraging AI to advance medical research and foster interdisciplinary collaborations. The program aims to attract exceptional talent and provide a platform for groundbreaking research.

Fatty acids hold clue to creating memories

Researchers have identified the molecular mechanism behind memory creation and found that saturated fatty acids interact with a protein called STXBP1. This interaction coordinates the release of fatty acids and directs communication at synapses in the brain.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalThe EMBO Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 5, 2024

Persons diagnosed with PCOS face 8-fold increase in suicide risk

A study of 18,000 women found those diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) were 8 times more likely to attempt suicide compared to control group. This increased risk is attributed to higher likelihood of psychiatric conditions such as depressive disorders and anxiety disorders associated with PCOS. Researchers emphasize the ne...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateFeb 5, 2024

Researchers develop rapid test for detecting fentanyl

University of Texas at Dallas researchers have developed a first-of-its-kind, handheld electrochemical sensor that can accurately detect fentanyl in urine within seconds. The device detects even trace amounts of fentanyl with 98% accuracy and could be used to test for the drug in saliva, helping first responders make treatment decisions.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 5, 2024

The influence of the cellular environment on vision

Studies on knockout mice have shown that removal of specific matrix proteins leads to visual deficits, including impaired motion processing and synaptic imbalance. This research contributes to a better understanding of visual processing mechanisms, potentially offering new therapeutic approaches.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 5, 2024

USC researchers uncover biological circuit that protects plants from extreme conditions

Plants use their circadian clocks to regulate responses to changes in water and salinity levels, offering a new avenue for creating drought-resistant crops. The discovery of the ABF3 feedback loop reveals a delicate balance between boosting stress tolerance and maximizing growth and yield.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 5, 2024

Epigenetic combination therapy could overcome treatment resistance in epithelioid sarcomas and rhabdoid tumors

Researchers have identified mechanisms of resistance to tazemetostat in epithelioid sarcoma and rhabdoid tumors, leading to the development of a combination therapy strategy. The therapy uses an epigenetic treatment approach to target specific mutations that drive cancer growth.

SourceMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center·JournalCancer Discovery·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 5, 2024

Researchers say media focus on vaccine hesitancy distorts reality

A recent poll found 88% of adults have robust confidence in childhood vaccines. Meanwhile, vaccination coverage for children remains high and stable, with 93% of kindergarten students receiving state-required vaccines. The authors argue that constant focus on vaccine hesitancy can distort reality and drive a false narrative.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeNews article·DateFeb 5, 2024

Discovered how to predict whether patients with leukemia will be sensitive to epigenetic drugs

Researchers discovered a link between single cancer cell mutations and clinical response to epigenetic therapy in myelodysplastic syndrome. Patients showing treatment benefits had decreased mutation counts in stem cells and immature granulocytes, suggesting early tumor elimination is key to therapy success.

SourceJosep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute·JournalCancer Research Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 5, 2024

Extra fingers and hearts: pinpointing changes to our genetic instructions that disrupt development

Scientists have identified a vulnerability in our genomes that can cause developmental defects, such as extra fingers and heart disorders. By analyzing genomic sequences and enhancer variants, researchers found that single-letter changes to the DNA within our genomes can dramatically affect gene expression.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 5, 2024