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Science News for January 17, 2024


URI professor leads effort demonstrating success of new technology in conducting deep-sea research on fragile organisms

A team of researchers led by URI Professor Brennan Phillips successfully demonstrated new technologies for capturing preserved tissue and high-resolution images of deep-sea animals in minutes, preserving them for advanced genomic study. This breakthrough enables faster species discovery and can inform extinction prevention efforts.

SourceUniversity of Rhode Island·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 17, 2024

SDG-washing found among Canada's top companies

A study by University of Waterloo researchers found that corporate investing in communities decreased despite an increase in companies committing to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. The results indicate 'SDG-washing', where public pledges aren't translating into socially responsible investments.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalBusiness Strategy & Development·DateJan 17, 2024

Pushing the boundaries of ultrasound imaging: breaking new ground with ultrafast technology

Researchers have enhanced microvascular sensitivity using ultrafast ultrasound, capturing the three-dimensional vascular network of renal arteries and veins without contrast agents. This technique reveals sharp decreases in renal blood flow during acute renal failure and chronic vascular degeneration in diabetic nephropathy.

Revolutionizing plant phenotyping: deep learning and 3D point cloud technology in overcoming reconstruction challenges

This study utilizes neural network-based point cloud completion to reconstruct 3D models of flowering Chinese Cabbage leaves, achieving full reconstruction with moderate consistency. The results show that the PF-Net algorithm improves the completeness of leaf point clouds under natural occlusion conditions, but struggles with larger mi...

SourcePlant Phenomics·JournalPlant Phenomics·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 17, 2024

New AI makes better permafrost maps

A new AI model has improved permafrost mapping by creating high-resolution maps of Arctic thawing, providing a tool for protecting infrastructure. The model achieved 83% accuracy in matching field data with its predictions, outperforming the widely used pan-arctic model.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalEarth and Space Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 17, 2024

A new targeted treatment calms the cytokine storm

Researchers from Osaka University have discovered a novel treatment strategy for cytokine storm, a serious inflammatory syndrome triggered by an infection or severe burn. The new approach involves blocking IL-6 receptor signaling with a short-term antibody, minimizing treatment side effects and preventing vascular damage.

SourceOsaka University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 17, 2024

Long live the graphene valley state

Researchers at ETH Zurich have discovered a potential platform for spin qubits in bilayer graphene, with ultra-long-lived valley states. The study finds that the valley degree of freedom in BLG is associated with quantum states that can survive for over half a second.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Physics·DateJan 17, 2024

The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health: Paediatric care for non-White children is universally worse across the USA; policy reform urgently needed to address disparities

Inequities in pediatric care span broad specialties and systems, including neonatal, emergency, palliative, and mental health care. Policy reforms are crucial to address deep-rooted structural racism and disparities in housing, employment, insurance, and the criminal justice system.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Child & Adolescent Health·TypeLiterature review·DateJan 17, 2024

Higher infant mortality rates associated with restrictive abortion laws

A new study found that states with restrictive abortion laws had a 16% increased infant mortality rate compared to those with more comprehensive reproductive healthcare. Demographic factors such as low education attainment and inadequate prenatal care also contributed to elevated IMR.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 17, 2024

TU Graz researchers optimize 3D printing of optically active nanostructures

Researchers at TU Graz have made a breakthrough in manufacturing complex, free-standing 3D nanoarchitectures with precise shapes and sizes. They achieved this by precisely simulating the required optical properties in advance and completely removing chemical impurities, enabling new optical effects and application concepts.

SourceGraz University of Technology·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 17, 2024

Progression of ALS linked to a membrane and an enzyme: mitochondria-endoplasmic reticulum disruption and loss of TBK1 activity

Researchers at Nagoya University have discovered a relationship between ALS progression and the disruption of mitochondria-associated membranes (MAM) and TBK1 activity. Decreased activation of TBK1 is linked to motor neuron death in ALS patients and mice with disrupted MAM.

SourceNagoya University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 17, 2024

Women farmers quantitatively linked to better community well-being

Researchers at Penn State and University of Wisconsin-Madison found that women farmers approach their operations in ways that positively impact their communities. The study revealed a positive association between women farmers and local economic variables such as nonfarm entrepreneurship, life expectancy, and poverty rates.

SourcePenn State·JournalApplied Economic Perspectives and Policy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 17, 2024

Study identifies new findings on implant positioning and stability during robotic-assisted knee revision surgery

A study published in Arthroplasty Today found that robotic-assisted knee revision surgery significantly influences the function of the knee replacement. The computer system can help predict implant size and balance the knee for stability, leading to improved patient outcomes.

SourceMarshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine·JournalArthroplasty Today·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 17, 2024

Transforming clinical recording of deep brain activity with a new take on sensor manufacturing

A new approach to sensor manufacturing allows for minimally-invasive, high-resolution recording of deep brain activity, enabling the analysis of specific brain signals. The technology has the potential to enhance physicians' ability to acquire and understand brain signals at a higher resolution.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 17, 2024

Fly brain, mouse brain, worm brain: They all network the same

Researchers analyzed large datasets of neural wiring in fruit flies, mice, and worms to compare networks across species. They created a mathematical model based on Hebbian plasticity, which shows how strong connections form and leads to clustering, suggesting a shared principle of self-organization governs brain network formation.

SourceThe Graduate Center, CUNY·JournalNature Physics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 17, 2024

KU study shows weightlifting before basketball practice does not affect shooting accuracy

A new study published in Frontiers in Sports and Active Living found that resistance training before basketball practice has minimal to no effect on shooting performance. In fact, the only scenario where accuracy decreased was after upper-body training, but this decrease disappeared 30 minutes post-exercise completion.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalFrontiers in Sports and Active Living·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 17, 2024

Researchers make links between woolly mammoths and colonization of the Americas

A team of researchers used high-resolution isotope profiling to connect the wanderings of a woolly mammoth with the earliest known human settlements in eastern Beringia. The study suggests that mammoths may have played a role in facilitating human migration to the Americas, and their social structures may have been influenced by climat...

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalScience Advances·TypeCase study·DateJan 17, 2024

The heat is on: UMass Amherst scientists discover southern Africa’s temps will rise past the rhinos’ tolerance

Rising temperatures caused by climate change will impact southern Africa's remaining black and white rhinoceros populations, scientists report. The region's diverse national parks will struggle to adapt to increasing heat, with some species facing extinction due to rising temperatures and changing precipitation patterns.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalBiodiversity·DateJan 17, 2024

Researchers find anti-HIV drugs may prevent complications from bacterial sepsis

Researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital found that anti-HIV drugs can prevent liver abscess formation during Escherichia coli infections by blocking reverse transcription. This mechanism could lead to a new way of treating and preventing deleterious consequences following bloodstream infections.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 17, 2024

New 2D material with super-heavy electrons

Researchers at Uppsala University and Columbia University have created a new 2D quantum material, CeSiI, with atoms-thin layers of cerium, silicon, and iodine. The material features super-heavy electrons with an effective mass up to 100 times that of ordinary materials.

SourceUppsala University·JournalNature·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 17, 2024

The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition launches new article series to educate physicians and other health care professionals on nutrition

The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition has launched a new article series, Nutrition for the Clinician, aimed at educating physicians and healthcare professionals on the fundamentals of nutrition. The series provides continuing education that enhances clinical reasoning and use of best nutrition evidence in practice.

SourceAmerican Society for Nutrition·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateJan 17, 2024

Researchers chronicle lifetime travels of a single woolly mammoth which wandered the north more than 14,000 years ago

A female woolly mammoth named Élmayuujey'eh travelled hundreds of kilometres through northwestern Canada and Alaska before encountering early people crossing the Bering Land Bridge. The study's findings suggest that human activity may have indirectly affected mammoth populations by curtailing their movements and access to grazing areas.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 17, 2024

New research finds half-cardio, half-strength training reduces cardiovascular disease risks

Researchers at Iowa State University found that a combination of aerobic and resistance exercises reduces cardiovascular disease risks as much as aerobic-only regimens. The study, which involved 406 participants, showed significant decreases in body fat percentage across all exercise groups compared to the no-exercise control group.

SourceIowa State University·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 17, 2024

Rain can spoil a wolf spider’s day, too

Researchers found that wolf spiders can't easily signal others or perceive danger from predators on rain-soaked leaves compared to dry ones. Male spiders use visual and vibratory signals for courtship, but vibrations are better received in dry leaves.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalJournal of Insect Behavior·TypeObservational study·DateJan 17, 2024

Social networks of sanctuary-living Grauer’s gorillas provide unique insights into the behavior of a critically endangered species and inform on their care and future release

Social network analysis of sanctuary-living Grauer's gorillas reveals adult females are central to the group's dynamics and most gregarious. This study provides unique insights into the behavior of a critically endangered species and informs on their care and future release strategies.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 17, 2024

Tiny AI-based bio-loggers revealing the interesting bits of a bird’s day

Researchers from Osaka University have developed a small sensor-based data logger that automatically detects and records video of infrequent behaviors in wild seabirds. The bio-logger uses low-power sensors and artificial intelligence to capture rare behaviors, such as head-shaking and foraging habits, without needing human supervision.

SourceOsaka University·JournalPNAS Nexus·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 17, 2024

Healing heel pain: researchers from Sahmyook University explore the use of local vibration in plantar fasciitis treatment

A recent trial assessed a novel combination of local vibration and extracorporeal shock wave therapy for the effective treatment of plantar fasciitis, with results showing significant reductions in plantar fascia thickness and heel pain. The study highlights a promising therapeutic intervention to treat this common musculoskeletal cond...

SourceSahmyook University·JournalJournal of Rehabilitation Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 17, 2024

Winding down the window, drinking tea and coffee, turning the radio up and singing while driving could be signs of a dangerous snoring condition

Researchers found that people with OSA were more likely to use multiple strategies to stay alert while driving, which can indicate excessive sleepiness. This study suggests that asking about these coping strategies in the clinic could help doctors identify patients at risk of driving incidents and advise them appropriately.

SourceEuropean Respiratory Society·JournalERJ Open Research·TypeObservational study·DateJan 17, 2024

Researchers identify key characteristics associated with improved CAR T outcomes in large B cell lymphoma

Researchers identified key characteristics associated with improved CAR T outcomes in large B cell lymphoma, including a B-cell gene expression signature and high CD19 protein expression. Patients who received axicabtagene ciloleucel had better event-free survival compared to those receiving standard therapy.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalNature Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 17, 2024

Ditches and ponds can be the sources or sinks of non-point source pollution: observations in an upland area in the Jinglinxi catchment, China

Research found that ditches and ponds in the Jinglinxi catchment can be both sources and sinks of agricultural pollutants. The study suggests retaining sediment in ditches during dry seasons and cleaning it in rainy seasons to maximize their ecological role.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Agricultural Science and Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 17, 2024

Metastatic breast cancer treatments have aided decline in deaths, Stanford Medicine-led study finds

A Stanford Medicine-led study found that advances in treating metastatic breast cancer are responsible for nearly one-third of the decrease in annual deaths from breast cancer between 1975 and 2019. This decline is attributed to improved treatments, which have enabled women with metastatic disease to live longer than ever.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 17, 2024

Surprisingly simple model explains how brain cells organize and connect

Researchers propose a simple model that accurately describes neuronal connectivity in various organisms, suggesting that general networking principles govern brain organization. The model also provides an unexpected explanation for clustering phenomenon in social interactions and can be extended to other types of networks.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalNature Physics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 17, 2024

Older adults who exercise with their spouse may be less physically active than those who exercise individually, finds NTU Singapore study

A study by NTU Singapore researchers found that older adults who exercise with their spouse achieve lower physical activity levels. Personalised fitness feedback from trackers increased physical activity in these individuals, suggesting it may be more effective to encourage older adults to exercise individually.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalInternational Journal of Human-Computer Interaction·DateJan 17, 2024

Online versus reality: social media influences perceptions

New Cornell University research examines how people form impressions about individuals from social media posts. The study found that viewers' ratings of Facebook users often differed significantly from the users' self-perceptions, particularly when updates included photos or links. Cultural norms also played a role in shaping these per...

SourceCornell University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 17, 2024

Mass-producible miniature quantum memory

Scientists at the University of Basel developed a miniaturized quantum memory that can store photons in tiny glass cells. The innovation enables the mass production of quantum memories, paving the way for future quantum networks and secure communication.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 17, 2024

Infusion of bone marrow mononuclear cells results in decreased intensive care needs and white matter preservation for children with severe traumatic brain injury

Researchers found that bone marrow mononuclear cell infusion in children within 48 hours of severe traumatic brain injury reduced intensive care needs and preserved white matter. The treatment also enhanced connectivity in the corpus callosum, a midline structure in the brain.

Tracking molecules at turbo speed

University of Bonn researchers devise a method called TARDIS to track molecules at turbo speed, making the high-throughput process five times faster. This enables insights into hitherto unknown cellular functions and the DNA repair mechanism, which is crucial for understanding diseases like cancer.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature Methods·DateJan 17, 2024

Chung-Ang University researchers develop a low-cost catalyst for green hydrogen production

Researchers at Chung-Ang University have developed a low-cost catalyst for green hydrogen production through proton exchange membrane water electrolysis. The new catalyst, SA Zn-RuO2, has improved stability and reactivity compared to commercial RuO2, with reduced energy consumption and increased durability.

SourceChung Ang University·JournalJournal of Energy Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 17, 2024

Independent dispute resolution of no surprises act financially unviable for radiology

A study found that the No Surprises Act's independent dispute resolution (IDR) process would be financially unfeasible for a large portion of out-of-network claims for hospital-based specialties, particularly radiologists. This could undermine patient access to in-network care due to limited bargaining power.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·TypeObservational study·DateJan 17, 2024

Butterflies could lose spots as climate warms

Research by University of Exeter scientists found that females with warmer temperatures have fewer spots, challenging long-held views on the reason for this variation. The study suggests that butterflies adapt their camouflage based on temperature, which could lead to a decrease in spotting over time.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalEcology and Evolution·DateJan 17, 2024

Chapman University’s environmental scientist, Dr. Joshua Fisher contributes to milestone study on OpenET’s precision in monitoring water use

A new study co-authored by Dr. Joshua Fisher assesses the accuracy of OpenET, an advanced satellite-based system for monitoring water use by crops and ecosystems. The study demonstrates high accuracy in assessing evapotranspiration in agricultural settings, especially in arid regions like California and the Southwest.

SourceChapman University·JournalNature Water·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 17, 2024

Obsessive-compulsive disorder linked to heightened risk of death

A recent study found that people with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) have an increased risk of death from both natural and unnatural causes. The researchers suggest that better surveillance, prevention, and early intervention strategies should be implemented to reduce the risk of fatal outcomes in individuals with OCD.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·TypeObservational study·DateJan 17, 2024

Co-amplification in tropical and extratropical atmospheric fluctuations caused heavy rainfall over Japan in August 2021

Researchers found that joint action of tropical and extratropical variations led to persistent heavy rainfall over Japan. The study revealed a link between upper-tropospheric blocking high, near-surface atmospheric flow, and cumulus convection in enhancing the northwestern Pacific subtropical high.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalProgress in Earth and Planetary Science·DateJan 17, 2024

US air pollution rates on the decline but pockets of inequities remain

Air pollution emissions have decreased substantially in the US over the last four decades, but racial and socioeconomic disparities remain. The study found that certain populations experienced relatively smaller reductions or even increases in air pollution emissions, highlighting the need for targeted policies to address inequities.

New vaccine design uses immunity against influenza to offer faster protection against emerging pathogens

A new vaccine design has been developed by a UC Riverside-led research team, which uses preexisting immunity to the influenza virus to help kickstart the production of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. The vaccine aims to speed up the immune response and provide better protection for people who still lack immunity to the coronavirus.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalJournal of Virology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 17, 2024

Revolutionizing grapevine phenotyping: harnessing LiDAR for enhanced growth assessment and genetic insights

A study published in Plant Phenomics explores the use of LiDAR technology to characterize grapevine growth and detect associated genetic loci. The research found strong correlations between LiDAR-derived volumes and traditional methods, with stable heritability and powerful QTL detection confirming their efficacy.

SourcePlant Phenomics·JournalPlant Phenomics·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 17, 2024

Fewer than 1% of schools in England have full policies on second languages, language learning and English

A study of nearly 1,000 English schools found that only six have whole-school language policies addressing support for EAL students and expectations concerning English. Most schools lack clear policies, particularly in supporting EAL learners, which could hinder learning and create disjointed experiences for these students.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalBritish Educational Research Journal·DateJan 17, 2024

Stalagmites as climate archive

By combining stalagmite analysis with tree-ring records, researchers have gained new insights into short-term climate fluctuations over centuries. The study reveals regional as well as global environmental events, including the Little Ice Age and the 'Year Without a Summer', providing valuable information on long-term climate patterns.

SourceHeidelberg University·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateJan 17, 2024

Different roles of two H3K36 methyltransferasesin transcriptional regulation and association with facultativeheterochromatin

Researchers identified two H3K36 methyltransferases, Ash1 and Set2, that regulate transcriptional activity and facultative heterochromatin formation in the rice blast fungus. The study reveals distinct roles for Ash1 and Set2 in promoting repressed and activated transcription, respectively.