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Science News for January 2, 2024


Demystifying a key receptor in substance use and neuropsychiatric disorders

Researchers uncovered insights into TAAR1's mechanism of action, highlighting significant differences between human and rodent models. The study suggests species-specific differences in drug-receptor interactions, paving the way for improved medications targeting substance use disorders.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 2, 2024

Elusive cytonemes guide neural development, provide signaling ‘express route’

Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have visualized how cytonemes transfer signals across vast distances during neural development, establishing an 'express route' for communication between cells. This discovery provides insights into the complex process of mammalian nervous system development and highlights the crucia...

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalCell·TypeObservational study·DateJan 2, 2024

Is oxygen the cosmic key to alien technology?

A new study by Adam Frank and Amedeo Balbi suggests that high levels of atmospheric oxygen are necessary for the emergence of advanced technology on distant planets. They propose the concept of an 'oxygen bottleneck,' which implies that only planets with significant oxygen concentrations can develop technospheres, leaving detectable te...

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalNature Astronomy·DateJan 2, 2024

Continuous glucose monitoring

Researchers developed a battery-independent fluorescent nanosensor for continuous, reversible, and non-invasive bioimaging of glucose levels in body fluids and tissues. The sensor uses an inactive form of the glucose oxidase enzyme, eliminating toxic byproducts and enabling reliable detection.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 2, 2024

New research shows “Juvenile T. rex” fossils are a distinct species of small tyrannosaur

Researchers have found evidence that Nanotyrannus lancensis is a separate species from Tyrannosaurus rex, with narrower jaws, longer legs, and bigger arms. The new analysis suggests these animals were nearly full-grown when they died, with estimates suggesting they reached 900-1500 kilograms and five metres in size.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalFossil Studies·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 2, 2024

Influencers’ vulnerabilities: a double-edged sword

A Cornell University-led research finds that social media platforms and the metrics that reward content creators for revealing their innermost selves open them to identity-based harassment. Influencers use platform filtering systems and other strategies to manage vulnerabilities, but the authors caution that internet hate and harassmen...

SourceCornell University·JournalEuropean Journal of Cultural Studies·DateJan 2, 2024

Study on extremely preterm infants provides important healthcare knowledge

A large clinical study led by Linköping University found no difference in the risk of severe complications between breast milk-based and cow's milk-based enrichment for extremely preterm infants. The study included 228 infants and found that both groups had a similar incidence of necrotising enterocolitis, sepsis, and death.

SourceLinköping University·JournalEClinicalMedicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 2, 2024

Evolution might stop humans from solving climate change, says new study

A new study by University of Maine researchers reveals that human evolution's core processes might prevent humans from resolving global environmental problems like climate change. The study found that cultural adaptation to the environment, which has driven human evolution, accelerates due to a positive feedback process, making it chal...

SourceUniversity of Maine·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·DateJan 2, 2024

Subsidence risk on the U.S. East Coast

The US East Coast is experiencing subsidence rates of up to 5 mm/year, affecting 2.1 million people and 867,000 properties. Rising groundwater extraction and sediment compaction are common causes, while some areas like the Chesapeake Bay experience differential subsidence, posing significant risks to structures.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateJan 2, 2024

First dive survey of Lake Tahoe’s lakebed finds high amounts of plastic and other litter

A recent study published in Applied Spectroscopy reveals that Lake Tahoe's lakebed is contaminated with high amounts of plastic and other litter. The researchers collected 673 pieces of plastic from just a small fraction of the lake, including food containers, bottles, and toys. This data can help scientists better understand the sourc...

SourceDesert Research Institute·JournalApplied Spectroscopy·DateJan 2, 2024

Perceived time has an actual effect on physical healing

New Harvard study finds that perceived time influences actual physical healing time, challenging conventional beliefs about psychological influence on health. The study used a standardized procedure to mildly wound volunteer subjects and found that wounds healed faster when participants believed more time had passed.

SourceHarvard University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 2, 2024

Calcium channel blockers key to reversing myotonic dystrophy muscle weakness, study finds

Researchers found that calcium channel blockers can reverse symptoms of myotonic dystrophy in animal models, a potential new treatment for the disease. The study suggests that targeting the calcium channel could improve muscle function and health, offering hope for patients with this debilitating condition.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 2, 2024

Predicting COVID-19 variant waves with AI

A machine-learning enabled risk assessment model detects 72.8% of variants causing over 1,000 cases per million people within a week, increasing to 80.1% after two weeks. The model identifies key factors such as variant spike mutations and early infection trajectories.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateJan 2, 2024

Diversity of bioluminescent beetles in Brazilian savanna has declined sharply in 30 years

A recent study found a significant decline in bioluminescent beetle diversity in the Brazilian savanna over the past three decades. The researchers recorded 51 species, mostly fireflies, click beetles, and glow worms, which have declined sharply due to agricultural expansion and artificial lighting.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalAnnals of the Entomological Society of America·DateJan 2, 2024

Deciphering molecular mysteries: new insights into metabolites that control aging and disease

Researchers at the Boyce Thompson Institute discovered a novel family of metabolites called acylspermidines that are linked to sirtuin activity. These compounds were found to influence lifespan in C. elegans and cell proliferation in mammals, providing new insights into the physiological functions of spermidine and sirtuins.

SourceBoyce Thompson Institute·JournalNature Chemical Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 2, 2024

Re-calibrating the sail plan for Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders in ocean sciences

A team of authors from the University of Hawaii at Manoa identifies gaps in programs aimed at increasing participation of Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders in ocean sciences. They highlight successful programs like the SOEST Maile Mentoring Bridge and The MEGA Lab, which prioritize culturally centered spaces and community involvem...

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalOceanography·TypeCase study·DateJan 2, 2024

New AI tool brings precision pathology for cancer and beyond into quicker, sharper focus

The iStar tool uses advanced techniques to capture both detailed views of individual cells and broader tissue patterns, enabling doctors to diagnose cancers that might otherwise go undetected. It also predicts gene activities at near-single-cell resolution, paving the way for molecular disease diagnosis.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature Biotechnology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 2, 2024

Researchers identify new coding mechanism that transfers information from perception to memory

A new study has identified a neural coding mechanism that allows for the transfer of information between perceptual and memory regions of the brain. This discovery challenges traditional understanding of brain organization and suggests that memory areas encode visual information in a 'photographic negative' format.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalNature Neuroscience·TypeImaging analysis·DateJan 2, 2024

Monetized evaluation of landscape resources of national parks based on the willingness to pay of multiple interest groups

This study found that external groups are more willing to pay for landscape resources than internal groups, with higher payment rates for ecological environment improvement. Demographic factors also influence payment rates, while attitude factors have a greater impact on landscape resource value than demographic or environmental factors.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalLandscape Architecture Frontiers·TypeSurvey·DateJan 2, 2024

Pioneering study indicates a potential treatment for corneal endothelial disease, reducing the need for corneal transplants

A pioneering study published in The American Journal of Pathology reveals the cytoprotective and proregenerative effects of neuropeptide α-MSH in promoting corneal healing after eye injury. The treatment has shown impressive therapeutic potential in reducing the need for corneal transplants.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 2, 2024

Single-emitter super-resolved imaging of radiative decay rate enhancement

Researchers developed a method to measure enhanced light interaction at the nanoscale using single molecules as probes, achieving a 30-fold enhancement in radiative decay rates. This breakthrough provides precise control of bright single-photon emission sources and deepens understanding of nanophotonic interactions.

High adolescent BMI increases risk of early chronic kidney disease, according to JAMA study by Hebrew University researchers

High adolescent BMI significantly increases the risk of developing early chronic kidney disease in young adulthood, according to a recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics. Researchers emphasize the need for preventive measures and management of risk factors associated with CKD in adolescents with elevated BMI.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·TypeObservational study·DateJan 2, 2024

Memory, brain function, and behavior: exploring the intricate connection through fear memories

Researchers examine the dynamic nature of fear responses in varied environments, shedding light on physical manifestation of memory in the brain. The study reveals that fear memories are linked to pathological states like PTSD and generalized anxiety, with direct translational relevance for disorders involving dysregulated fear responses.

SourceBoston University·JournalJNeurosci·TypeObservational study·DateJan 2, 2024

Greener and feasible production: Enzymatic methods for mono- and diacylglycerol synthesis in the food industry

The review highlights the advancements in enzymatic production of MAGs and DAGs, emphasizing their role in revolutionizing industry standards. Enzymatic methods are expected to meet global demand, but further research is needed to overcome challenges like reaction efficiency and large-scale application.

SourceHenan University of Technology·JournalGrain & Oil Science and Technology·DateJan 2, 2024

Understanding climate mobilities: New study examines perspectives from South Florida practitioners

A recent study assesses the perspectives of 76 diverse South Florida climate adaptation professionals, highlighting a growing consensus on the inevitability of climate mobilities. The study reveals concerns about distributional inequities, socio-cultural disruptions, and financial disparities arising from climate-driven relocations.