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Science News for January 23, 2024


Hypoxia visualized by endoscopic imaging as an objective indicator for assessing bowel urgency and ulcerative colitis disease activity

Researchers at University of Tsukuba discovered a correlation between hypoxia levels and clinical symptoms in UC patients. Lower oxygen saturation in the rectal mucosa was associated with greater severity of colitis, making this method a potential tool for objective measurement of disease activity.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalGastrointestinal Endoscopy·DateJan 23, 2024

Quickly and easily predict emerging contaminant concentrations in wastewater with artificial intelligence

Researchers at KIST developed a clustering and predictive AI model to classify known trace substances and predict their concentrations. The model achieved an accuracy of 0.75, surpassing existing techniques, and can be applied to wastewater treatment facilities, providing quick and accurate data for policy-making.

Major climate benefits with electric aircraft

Researchers found that small electric aircraft can have a notably lower climate impact – up to 60 percent less – and other types of environmental impacts than equivalent fossil-fuelled aircraft. The study also highlights the need for longer battery lifetimes and improved energy storage capacity to minimize mineral resource scarcity.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalThe International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 23, 2024

Mind the (green) gap

Scientists have discovered a new path to overcome the significant challenge of creating efficient green LEDs. By utilizing cubic III-nitride materials with an innovative aspect ratio phase trapping technique, researchers have successfully synthesized a green-emitting layer achieving up to 32% internal quantum efficiency.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJan 23, 2024

Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg launches development cooperation to provide children worldwide with modern cancer diagnostics

The Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg has launched a development cooperation to establish modern molecular cancer diagnostics for children in low-income countries. Scientists from partner countries have received training and laboratory equipment to use an AI-based methylation analysis algorithm developed in Heidelberg.

Detention fails to help young lawbreakers avoid further offenses, report shows

A new report from the Association for Psychological Science finds that youth who receive therapy, life-skills training, and other rehabilitative help are less likely to reoffend than those who face legal punishment. The study suggests that minimizing formal processing and expanding diversion programs can improve community safety.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science in the Public Interest·TypeLiterature review·DateJan 23, 2024

Study offers rare long-term analysis of techniques for creating standing dead trees for wildlife habitat

A study examined nearly 800 large-diameter Douglas-fir trees to determine the most effective methods for creating standing dead trees. The results showed that chain-saw topping is the best way to create snags with significant decay within two decades, while mechanical wounding and fungal inoculation have limited efficacy. This research...

SourceOregon State University·JournalForest Ecology and Management·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 23, 2024

HKUMed identifies PLK4 as a promising therapeutic target for TP53 mutated AML, demonstrated in Queen Mary Hospital and other studies

A research team at HKUMed has identified PLK4 as a novel therapeutic target for acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) carrying the TP53 mutation. The study found that PLK4 inhibition induces DNA damage, cell ageing and abnormal cell division, triggering the immune system via the cGAS-STING pathway.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalBlood·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 23, 2024

World's largest database of weeds lets scientists peer into the past, and future, of global agriculture

A new database of 928 weed species provides a unique insight into the history of agriculture and its ability to adapt to changing conditions. The data reveals trends in arable agriculture over time and how farming practices have varied in different environments, offering potential solutions for modern-day food production.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalVegetation History and Archaeobotany·DateJan 23, 2024

Links discovered between weather patterns and power outages could help UK protect itself from disruptive weather, according to a new study.

Researchers at the University of Bristol have discovered a significant connection between specific weather patterns and power faults. The study shows that winter weather patterns characterized by high wind speeds and precipitation volumes are responsible for many instances of power outages through wind, gale, and lightning strikes. Hig...

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 23, 2024

Studying the relationship between cannabis use and psychosis in young adults

A study published in ScienceDirect reviews the overlap between cannabis use and psychosis, highlighting the potential risks of cannabis on neurobiology. The study suggests that cannabis can exacerbate psychosis symptoms and impact motivation and attention, but also notes some potential benefits of cannabis use for social functioning.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalPsychiatric Clinics of North America·DateJan 23, 2024

New study published in Nature Scientific Reports shows industry-leading performance for Waymark Signal in predicting avoidable ER and hospital utilization

A new study published in Nature Scientific Reports shows Waymark Signal to be 90% accurate in predicting avoidable emergency room and hospital visits, identifying at-risk patients three times better than traditional models. The study also reversed the Black-White prediction bias observed in most risk models.

SourceWaymark·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 23, 2024

APOE genetic variants linked to Alzheimer disease are also associated with the development of subclinical aterosclerosis

The study found that APOE4 carriers have elevated LDL cholesterol levels, increasing their risk of developing subclinical atherosclerosis. In contrast, APOE2 carriers have lower cholesterol and reduced atherosclerosis prevalence.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalCirculation Research·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 23, 2024

Bioengineers on the brink of breaching blood-brain barrier

A team of researchers has devised a method to deliver mRNA into the brain using lipid nanoparticles, offering new hope for treating conditions like Alzheimer's disease and seizures. The approach uses a special keycard-like system to bypass the blood-brain barrier, allowing therapeutic agents to enter the brain and target specific cells.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNano Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 23, 2024

Study reveals disparities in use of evidence-based integrative pain management modalities among adults with chronic pain

A recent study found disparities in access to integrative health and medicine, as well as nonpharmacologic therapies, among vulnerable populations with chronic pain. These findings highlight the need for policy changes to promote equitable access to these evidence-based modalities.

SourceUniversity Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center·JournalJournal of Pain Research·DateJan 23, 2024

Space-based landscape site perception: Teaching principles and methods for the basic course of landscape architecture

This article explores the significance of site perception training in landscape architecture, arguing that experiencing sites precedes form-making training. Five methods for landscape site perception are introduced, including sketching, notation, and spatial structure mapping, to provide a visualized pathway for site perception.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalLandscape Architecture Frontiers·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 23, 2024

A new perspective on the temperature inside tropical forests

A new study provides detailed maps of temperatures inside tropical forests, enabling ecologists to better predict how species will respond to climate change. The research reveals significant variability in forest temperatures, with some areas experiencing temperature differences up to 4 degrees from the surrounding environment.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 23, 2024

Incheon National University researchers propose a web 3.0 streaming architecture and marketplace

Incheon National University researchers developed a web 3.0 streaming architecture that reduces delay, improves user experience, and ensures transparency and fairness for real-time services. The proposed system uses Inter-Planetary file system (IPFS) to enable blockchain-based peer-to-peer data storage and caching.

SourceIncheon National University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Services Computing·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 23, 2024

Organic electronics lead to new ways to sense light

Researchers from Osaka University have developed a soft, flexible, and wireless optical sensor based on carbon nanotubes and organic transistors formed on ultra-thin polymer film. The sensor has high sensitivity over a wide range of wavelengths and can work even after being crumpled into a ball.

SourceOsaka University·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 23, 2024

KAIST research team breaks down musical instincts with AI

A KAIST research team led by Professor Hawoong Jung identified the principle behind musical instincts emerging from the human brain without special learning using an artificial neural network model. The study found that cognitive functions for music forms spontaneously as a result of processing auditory information received from nature.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNature Communications·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 23, 2024

Cancer diagnoses after recent weight loss

A study of 157,000 participants found that those with recent weight loss were more likely to be diagnosed with cancer within the next 12 months. Cancer of the upper gastrointestinal tract was most commonly associated with recent weight loss.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateJan 23, 2024

Forever chemicals" in German drinking water - a hidden threat unveiled

A landmark study reveals widespread presence of PFAS in German drinking water, exceeding detection limits in some samples. The research highlights the need for future regulatory decisions and public health guidelines, emphasizing the importance of monitoring PFAS levels in drinking water to ensure environmental and health safety.

SourceNanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, MEE·JournalEco-Environment & Health·DateJan 23, 2024

Researchers propose paradigm shift with "planetary commons" to safeguard earth's critical systems

A groundbreaking research paper advocates for a more expansive framework called the "Planetary Commons" to effectively safeguard the Earth's critical systems. The proposed framework addresses unprecedented pressure on Earth's regulatory systems and proposes transnational cooperation to secure critical functions for the collective good.

SourceUniversity of Lincoln·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 23, 2024

HIV: Early treatment, one key to remission

A new study using an animal model has identified a window of opportunity for early treatment to promote long-term control and remission of HIV infection. Starting treatment four weeks after infection promotes viral control after discontinuation of treatment, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 23, 2024

Delhi smog: India's cities must look beyond their limits to clean up air pollution

A University of Surrey review concludes that Delhi needs help from its rural neighbors to clean up its killer smog problem. The study recommends identifying the wider area where a city's pollution is produced and working together with neighboring areas to tackle air pollution, with huge health implications for Indian cities.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalSustainable Horizons·TypeSystematic review·DateJan 23, 2024

Injectable water filtration system could improve access to clean drinking water around the world

Researchers at University of Texas at Austin developed a portable and affordable water filtration system that can catch up to 100% of particles larger than 10 nanometers. The device uses low-cost, sustainable materials and is easy to use, making it an attractive solution for improving freshwater availability in remote regions.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalNature Sustainability·DateJan 23, 2024

Live animal transport regulations not ‘fit for purpose’, major international study finds

The study's findings highlight serious failures in animal welfare protection during transportation, with all countries falling short of guaranteeing adequate protection. The researchers propose updating the regulations to address major risk factors such as excessively long journeys and hot weather, drawing key future directions for new...

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateJan 23, 2024

A neurological disease paradigm shift

Researchers at McGill University propose a new biological classification system for Parkinson's disease, considering alpha-synuclein, neurodegeneration, and genetics. This shift in thinking aims to diagnose the disease earlier, targeting specific patient groups with more common biology, improving treatment development success.

SourceMcGill University·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·TypeSystematic review·DateJan 23, 2024

Maternal autistic traits and adverse birth outcomes

A study of 87,000 women found a higher level of maternal autistic traits associated with increased risk of adverse birth outcomes, including very preterm birth. The researchers emphasize the need for tailored and timely antenatal care support for women with high levels of autistic traits.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJan 23, 2024

Gene expression atlas captures where ovulation can go awry

A gene expression atlas has been developed to map the complex cellular and molecular interactions that drive ovulation in mice. The findings reveal a previously unknown layer of selection that determines which follicles will release eggs, and highlight the importance of early differentiation markers for fertility management.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 23, 2024

Colorado State research quantifies greenhouse gas emissions from US irrigation pumping

A Colorado State University study quantifies greenhouse gas emissions from US irrigation pumping, highlighting the significant impact of groundwater pumping and location on emissions. The research estimates that electric pumps can play a key role in decarbonizing irrigation systems as the electrical grid becomes cleaner.

SourceColorado State University·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 23, 2024

Rutgers health researchers develop software to predict diseases

The IntelliGenes software combines conventional statistical methods with cutting-edge machine learning algorithms to produce personalized patient predictions and visualize significant biomarkers for disease prediction. Researchers applied the software to discover novel biomarkers and predict cardiovascular disease with high accuracy.

SourceRutgers University·JournalBioinformatics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 23, 2024

A new 3D bioprinted model offers a novel tool to study common liver disease, and perhaps find an effective treatment

A new 3D bioprinted liver tissue model has been developed to study nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a serious complication of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The model, created using liver cells from healthy or NASH-diseased donors, displays all characteristics of the disease, including fibrosis.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 23, 2024

Research from the Korea University College of Medicine explores the combined health impact of diabetes and sarcopenia in the elderly

A study from the Korea University College of Medicine reveals that co-occurrence of diabetes and sarcopenia significantly elevates cardiovascular mortality, with nearly doubling the risk of both all-cause and cardiovascular deaths. Implementing preventive measures such as lifestyle changes, exercise, and balanced diet can mitigate this...

SourceKorea University College of Medicine·JournalMetabolism·TypeObservational study·DateJan 23, 2024

Uncovering the secrets behind the silent flight of owls

Studies investigated the effect of trailing-edge fringes on owl wings, finding reduced noise levels and maintained aerodynamic performance. The simulations revealed two complementary mechanisms: reducing airflow fluctuations and suppressing feather interactions, leading to improved low-noise fluid machinery applications.

SourceChiba University·JournalBioinspiration & Biomimetics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 23, 2024

Reflecting on your legacy could make you more philanthropic, new research finds

Researchers found that prompting people to consider their long-term impact inspires them to allocate more wealth to collective causes like charities. This phenomenon, dubbed the 'Andrew Carnegie Effect', has significant societal benefits. Future research will track participants over time to determine its lasting impact.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·TypeSurvey·DateJan 23, 2024

Bloom-forming cyanobacteria and dinoflagellates in five Argentinian reservoirs: a multi-year sampling

Researchers in Argentina have found that cyanobacteria blooms are becoming more intense in five reservoirs, particularly in the warmest areas. The team also detected positive records of cyanotoxins only in the last four years of the study period, highlighting a significant underestimation of the problem.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalWater Biology and Security·TypeCase study·DateJan 23, 2024

Supportive, stable caregiving in childhood protects heart health in adulthood

Research reveals that stable and supportive caregiving during childhood can protect cardiovascular health later in life, contrary to previous findings on childhood adversity. The study analyzed over 2,000 participants and found that each additional unit score of caregiver warmth was associated with 11.7% higher odds of cardiovascular h...

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalCirculation Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes·TypeObservational study·DateJan 23, 2024