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Science News for January 31, 2024


How to make bright quantum dots even brighter

Perovskite quantum dots made brighter by surface treatment with phospholipids, enabling higher photon emission rates. Coherent coupling of exciton dipoles boosts superradiance, making the dots even brighter for quantum technologies.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 31, 2024

Homo sapiens already reached northwest Europe more than 45,000 years ago

Researchers discovered human fossils and artifacts at Ilsenhöhle in Ranis, Germany, indicating that Homo sapiens arrived in cold northern latitudes before Neanderthals disappeared in southwest Europe. The analysis of ancient DNA and zooarchaeological findings suggests that humans consumed a diverse range of animals during their stay.

The Lancet Public Health: Transgender, non-binary, and gender diverse people more likely to have a long-term mental health condition, first England-wide study suggests

A recent English study found that transgender men and women are at a higher risk of long-term mental health conditions (16.4% and 15.9%, respectively), while non-binary individuals face an even higher risk (47.2%). The study also highlights the need for improved support systems and staff training to address these disparities.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Public Health·TypeObservational study·DateJan 31, 2024

Researchers overview recent progress and challenges in silicon-based anode materials for lithium-ion batteries

Researchers have made significant advancements in silicon-based anode materials for lithium-ion batteries, including the development of binders, composites, and electrolytes. However, Si-based anodes still face challenges such as volume expansion, lower electrical conductivity, and inconsistent kinetics reaction.

SourceIndustrial Chemistry & Materials·JournalIndustrial Chemistry and Materials·TypeLiterature review·DateJan 31, 2024

A dual-function selection system enables positive selection of multigene CRISPR mutants and negative selection of Cas9-free progeny in Arabidopsis

A new dual-function selection system enables both positive selection of multigene CRISPR mutants and negative selection of Cas9-free progeny in Arabidopsis. This system leverages a DAO-based surrogate selection marker to facilitate efficient multiplex CRISPR editing in plants.

Ketamine helped many severely depressed veterans, study shows

A study of 215 veterans found that nearly half experienced significant depression score drops, while about one quarter saw a halving of their scores. About 15% achieved full remission after six weeks of ketamine infusions, suggesting the treatment can provide substantial relief for those with complex mental health needs.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychiatry·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 31, 2024

Paper calls for patient-first regulation of AI in healthcare

A new study published in JAMA highlights the need for federal regulations that prioritize patient outcomes when it comes to AI-powered tools in healthcare. The researchers argue that AI products in healthcare do not universally undergo evaluation for potential harm or benefit to patients, and propose a revision to the White House Execu...

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJAMA·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJan 31, 2024

Artificial Intelligence tool designed to identify olive varieties based on photos of olive pits

A neural network trained on a photographic database of olive fruit endocarps can identify olive varieties with high accuracy. The OliVaR tool automates the traditional morphological classification process, allowing growers to quickly identify olive tree varieties and advancing general knowledge of all existing olive varieties.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalComputers and Electronics in Agriculture·DateJan 31, 2024

Autoimmune disease and pregnancy

A study published in Lancet eClinical Health found pregnancy outcomes for pregnant individuals with autoimmune disease vary greatly depending on the specific condition and individual factors. Research highlights the importance of considering comorbidities when discussing autoimmune disease and pregnancy.

SourceInstitute for Systems Biology·JournalEClinicalMedicine·TypeSystematic review·DateJan 31, 2024

Team of astronomers make a serendipitous discovery of a galaxy that shouldn’t exist

Researchers have found a serendipitous discovery of a dwarf galaxy, PEARLSDG, that contradicts current theories on galaxy formation. The isolated quiescent galaxy has an old stellar population and doesn't form new stars, with individual stars visible in JWST images, providing clues to its distance.

SourceArizona State University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeObservational study·DateJan 31, 2024

Microgreens made to order: Italian scientists have tailored iodine and potassium content of radishes, peas, rocket and chard

Researchers in Italy cultivate four species of microgreens with bespoke nutritional profiles, providing a blueprint for soilless cultivation of nutritionally enriched plants. The study successfully produces microgreens with up to 14 times higher iodine content and 45% reduced potassium levels, catering to specific dietary requirements.

SourceSociety of Chemical Industry·JournalJournal of the Science of Food and Agriculture·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 31, 2024

Pusan National University researchers decode key airflow pattern impacting global climate

A recent study published in npj Climate and Atmospheric Science reveals that changes in subtropical and midlatitude eddy activity control the variation of the Hadley cell edge latitude. The researchers analyzed 41 years of data and found associations with El Niño, La Niña, and the Arctic oscillation.

SourcePusan National University·Journalnpj Climate and Atmospheric Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 31, 2024

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) prevalence nearly doubles in Israel between 2017 and 2021

The study found a 4-fold increase in ASD diagnoses among 2-3 year-old children and a 2-fold increase in older ages. The research highlights the need for education and healthcare services to keep up with the growing demand, and emphasizes the importance of early intervention to improve communication and social skills.

SourceBen-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalAutism Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 31, 2024

A new way to visualize brain cancer

Researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital and MIT unveiled a new microscopy technology called decrowding expansion pathology (dExPath) that provides novel insights into brain cancer development. The technology enables scientists to study neurological diseases at a never-before-achieved nanoscale level on conventional clinical samples.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateJan 31, 2024

Climate change threatens older elephants most, jeopardizing African elephants’ future

A new study by UMass Amherst and the Wildlife Conservation Society finds that climate change disproportionately affects older African elephants, who will have decreased chances of survival. This can lead to a ripple effect on their ecosystems and cultures, highlighting the need for coordinated management strategies at all levels.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalPLOS Sustainability and Transformation·DateJan 31, 2024

Netherlands society is split into six social classes with varying proportions of economic, social, cultural and health/attractiveness capital, find Dutch researchers who also note class differences in views and wellbeing

A recent study by Dutch researchers found that Netherlands society is split into six social classes, each with distinct proportions of economic, social, cultural, and health/attractiveness capital. The study highlights class differences in views and wellbeing, providing insights into the country's contemporary social structure.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 31, 2024

A team of scientists from CiQUS and CSIC develops a new type of anticancer agent

A team of scientists has developed a new type of anticancer agent targeting cancer stem cells, which are difficult to eradicate. The compound, called Ru1, promotes a decrease in the expression of genes necessary for mitochondrial respiration, causing cancerous cells to lose their potential.

SourceCenter for Research in Biological Chemistry and Molecular Materials (CiQUS)·JournalJournal of Experimental & Clinical Cancer Research·DateJan 31, 2024

Machine learning guides carbon nanotechnology

Researchers at Tohoku University and Shanghai Jiao Tong University developed a machine learning method to predict the growth of carbon nanostructures on metal surfaces. The approach combines theoretical models with data from chemistry experiments to control the dynamics of material growth, leading to improved quality and efficiency.

The hottest catalog of the year: the most comprehensive list of slow-building solar flares yet

Researchers have cataloged nearly 1400 slow-rising flares using Chandrayaan-2 data, revealing a significant increase in the number of slow-building flares compared to previous decades. The study suggests that solar flares may exhibit different behaviors, including varying rates of rise and fall.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalSolar Physics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 31, 2024

Decarbonizing the world’s industries

The study found that decarbonising the industrial sector is technically possible with a mix of high and low-maturity technologies. Established carbon capture and storage technologies can save nearly 85% of emissions, while electric technologies can theoretically reduce emissions by 40-100%.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalJoule·TypeLiterature review·DateJan 31, 2024

NIH study shows higher mortality rates for patients on respiratory support in rural intermediate care units

A new NIH study reveals significantly higher mortality rates for patients receiving ventilator life support in intermediate care units at rural hospitals compared to urban hospitals. The researchers found that these units may not be equipped to provide the complex level of care needed by critically ill patients.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalAnnals of the American Thoracic Society·DateJan 31, 2024

News on drug-induced skin swelling

A study by Bonn researchers identified a new genetic risk locus for ACE inhibitor-induced angioedema, which is associated with increased bradykinin signaling. The discovery provides new insights into the pathophysiology of this condition and may lead to the development of new prevention, diagnostics, and therapy approaches.

SourceUniversitatsklinikum Bonn·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateJan 31, 2024

New methodology for studying organic transistors with applications in bioelectronics in operando

A study led by IBEC has developed a new methodology to map the local electrical potential along the structure of organic transistors used in bioelectronics. This allows for a detailed assessment of bottlenecks in charge transport, enabling optimization and enhancement of device operation.

SourceInstitute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC)·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 31, 2024

Surgeons’ choice of skin disinfectant impacts infection risk, Canadian-American study shows

A Canadian-American study has found that the use of iodine povacrylex in alcohol as a skin disinfectant can significantly reduce the risk of surgical site infection in patients undergoing surgery for closed fractures. The trial, which enrolled nearly 8,500 participants, compared two commonly used antiseptic products and showed that iod...

SourceMcMaster University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 31, 2024

Strong European backing for Ukraine leaves “little space” for exploitation of pro-Russian politics, study shows

A new study shows widespread European backing for Ukraine, with solid supporters in Germany, France, and Spain, and staunch supporters in the UK, Eastern European nations, Finland, and Sweden. However, opinions are mixed on NATO's approach and Ukraine's membership, reflecting differing perceptions of involvement in the Russia-Ukraine c...

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalInternational Affairs·TypeSurvey·DateJan 31, 2024

Study reveals the economic burden for patients with vitiligo in the US is significant

A study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology found that patients with vitiligo incur significantly higher healthcare costs than those without the condition. The research analyzed direct and indirect healthcare costs associated with vitiligo, revealing an unmet need for cost-effective treatments.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Investigative Dermatology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 31, 2024

Unprecedented ocean heating shows risks of a world 3°C warmer

New research examines the causes of record-breaking ocean temperatures in 2023 and highlights the need to understand driving forces behind ocean warming. The study suggests that Earth's energy imbalance is a key driver of extreme ocean temperatures, with the Atlantic Ocean warming faster than other ocean basins.

SourceUniversity of Reading·JournalBulletin of the American Meteorological Society·TypeObservational study·DateJan 31, 2024

Virtual reality treatment for palliative care shown to help patients ‘flourish’ during relaxation therapy

Researchers have developed a novel virtual reality-based relaxation therapy that helps cancer patients in palliative care manage symptoms and stress better. The therapy, known as FLOW-VRT-Relaxation, combines standard-of-care relaxation techniques with immersive VR experiences to promote psychological states of flourishing.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Virtual Reality·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 31, 2024

Fermentation revolution? Trash becomes treasure as bio-waste yields valuable acetone and isopropanol

Researchers at Delft University of Technology have developed pioneering advancements in the purification of isopropanol and acetone from waste gases through engineered bacteria. The novel process shows high-purity yields with recoveries over 99.2%, marking a significant step forward in sustainable industrial fermentation.

SourceSociety of Chemical Industry·JournalJournal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology·DateJan 31, 2024

Trees struggle to ‘breathe’ as climate warms, researchers find

Researchers found that trees in warmer, drier climates release more CO2 than they absorb, potentially compromising their ability to mitigate climate change. The study used a global dataset of tree tissue to analyze photorespiration rates, which are up to two times higher in warmer climates.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 31, 2024

Protecting light beams from gain and loss – International research team demonstrates robust light propagation in open systems for the first time

A German research team has successfully demonstrated robust light propagation in open systems using parity-time (PT) symmetry. By dynamically distributing gain and loss over time, the researchers were able to create a protected edge channel that retains its average amplitude and enjoys full robustness.

SourceUniversity of Rostock·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 31, 2024

Pedestrian injuries from falls versus motor vehicle collisions: are we lacking critical policy and interventions?

A recent study found that pedestrian injuries from falls exceed those from motor vehicle collisions in the US, with older adults particularly vulnerable. The study analyzed EMS data and found that pedestrians over 50 years old were 3.9 times more likely to experience severe injuries from falls compared to motor vehicle collisions.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalJournal of Urban Health·DateJan 31, 2024

Tracking unconventional superconductivity

Researchers at HZDR have discovered a new superconductor that remains stable under extremely high magnetic fields. This breakthrough offers potential for groundbreaking technological advancements. The material, UTe2, exhibits spin-triplet superconductivity and can withstand magnetic fields up to 73 tesla, setting a record.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 31, 2024

Fungal-rich soil may improve green roofs

A Dartmouth-led research team created an experimental green roof to test the effect of native prairie microbes on soil microbial community development. Their findings demonstrate that active management accelerates soil development faster than passive reestablishment, fostering a more diverse and sustainable soil community.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalNew Phytologist·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 31, 2024

AI can predict brain cancer patients’ survival

Researchers from King's College London developed an AI model to predict brain cancer patient outcomes after radiotherapy. The model showed improved performances when trained on 10,000s of brain MRI scans and can give clinicians accurate predictions with a single routine scan, allowing for early treatment decisions.

SourceKing's College London·JournalNeuro-Oncology·DateJan 31, 2024

Looking for love? Try finding purpose as well

A study from Washington University in St. Louis found that individuals with a sense of purpose were rated higher for attractiveness on dating app profiles compared to those without. The researchers created four categories of 'sense of purpose' and discovered that participants preferred profiles that shared the same orientation.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalInternational Journal of Applied Positive Psychology·DateJan 31, 2024

John Theurer Cancer Center (JTCC) physician co-authors clinical research on innovative oral leukemia therapy

Researchers at the John Theurer Cancer Center have co-authored a study on oral decitabine-cedazuridine therapy, which is now shown to be pharmacologically and pharmacodynamically equivalent to its intravenous counterpart. This innovation has significant potential for patient benefit and improved comfort in cancer treatment.

SourceHackensack Meridian Health·JournalThe Lancet·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 31, 2024

Nanotechnology‐based CRISPR/Cas9 delivery system for genome editing in cancer treatment

The review discusses the mechanism of CRISPR/Cas9 and its challenges in delivering genome editing to cancer cells. Nanotechnology-based delivery systems, such as nanoparticles and exosomes, have shown promise in improving the efficiency and specificity of CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing.

SourceSichuan International Medical Exchange and Promotion Association·JournalMedComm – Biomaterials and Applications·TypeLiterature review·DateJan 31, 2024

Rice study shows how allyship can combat discrimination in STEM for Blacks, Latinos

A new study from Rice University reveals that white students who acknowledge discriminatory behavior in STEM settings are more likely to intervene when their psychological standing is enhanced. Allyship plays a critical role in combating prejudice, particularly in STEM fields where minorities face significant barriers.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of Business and Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 31, 2024