Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for January 8, 2024


Migrants can be ‘transformative force’ for sustainable development

New research shows that migrants can be a transformative force for sustainability, bringing energy and ideas to new locations. However, poorly managed migration deepens inequality and increases environmental harm. The studies emphasize the need for comprehensive policies that manage migration in the interests of people and the planet.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 8, 2024

Closing in on triple-negative breast cancer

Researchers analyzed cells within triple-negative breast cancer tumors before and after radiation therapy with immunotherapy, identifying three patient groups with distinct responses. The study found that combining radiation therapy and immunotherapy may improve tumor-fighting immune response prior to surgery for some patients.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalCancer Cell·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 8, 2024

Final supernova results from Dark Energy Survey offer unique insights into the expansion of the universe

The Dark Energy Survey has released unprecedented results on the mysteries of dark energy and the expansion of the universe. The study placed the strongest constraints on the expansion rate of the universe ever obtained, consistent with the standard cosmological model but not definitive enough to rule out a more complex model.

SourceDOE/Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 8, 2024

Researchers engineer in vivo delivery system for prime editing, partially restoring vision in mice

Researchers develop a delivery system for prime editing, enabling the correction of disease-causing genetic mutations in animal models. By adapting virus-like particles to carry the machinery for prime editing, scientists have achieved partial restoration of vision in mice with two genetic disorders.

SourceBroad Institute of MIT and Harvard·JournalNature Biotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 8, 2024

Some mosquitoes like it hot

New research found significant differences in heat tolerance among mosquito populations, with some more resilient to heat waves than others. Climate factors such as precipitation and humidity play a crucial role in determining their thermal limits, which may impact disease transmission.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 8, 2024

McMaster researchers discover molecular ‘barcode’ used by bacteria to secrete toxins

Researchers at McMaster University have discovered a molecular barcode system used by disease-causing bacteria to distinguish between beneficial and toxic molecules. This discovery sheds light on the mechanisms underlying bacterial pathogenicity, allowing for potential biotechnology applications to combat infectious diseases like tuber...

SourceMcMaster University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 8, 2024

Real-world analysis: COVID-19 vaccine strongly effective for children and adolescents during delta and omicron

A real-world study found that COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective in protecting children and adolescents from infection, with 98% reduced risk during the delta variant phase. Vaccine effectiveness slightly declined during the omicron wave, but still provided strong protection against severe illness and cardiac complications.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 8, 2024

Unveiling hidden biodiversity underfoot: DNA barcoding of Taiwanese forest leaf litter beetles

The Taiwanese Leaf Litter Beetles Barcoding project has created a comprehensive reference library for these elusive beetles using DNA barcoding. The dataset comprises 4,629 beetles representing 334 species candidates from 36 families, unveiling taxonomic insights and enhancing our understanding of their biology and ecological roles.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalDeutsche Entomologische Zeitschrift·DateJan 8, 2024

Bariatric surgery may slow cognitive decline for people with obesity

Researchers found that cognition scores remained stable two years after bariatric surgery, while secondary executive function tests showed improvement. However, one memory assessment declined following surgery. Further studies are needed to confirm the findings and understand how best to treat cognitive decline associated with obesity.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalThe journal of nutrition health & aging·TypeObservational study·DateJan 8, 2024

CHOP researchers develop algorithm to determine how cellular “neighborhoods” function in tissues

Researchers developed a deep-learning-based algorithm to identify tissue cellular neighborhoods (TCNs) in breast and colorectal tumors, revealing new fibroblast-enriched and granulocyte-enriched TCNs associated with high-risk disease subtypes. The study aims to better understand cancer evasion mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalNature Methods·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 8, 2024

Novel test holds promise for detecting Parkinson’s disease early

Researchers developed a novel test that detects single ⍺-synuclein fibrils in patient samples to identify patients with Parkinson's disease earlier. This breakthrough has the potential to create early applicable molecular diagnostics, improve clinical trials, and facilitate drug screening for neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 8, 2024

Study highlights barriers to contraceptive access for disabled Medicare enrollees

A new study from the University of Pittsburgh highlights how lack of contraceptive coverage by Medicare prevents disabled enrollees from accessing contraception. Contraceptive use is low among reproductive-aged people with disabilities enrolled in Medicare, with only 14.3% having an insurance claim for contraception in 2019.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalHealth Affairs·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 8, 2024

Intravaginal sponge can make treatment of candidiasis more comfortable and effective

Researchers developed a biodegradable sponge that releases medication slowly into the organism, improving treatment efficacy for vulvovaginal candidiasis. The device is made from soft, biocompatible materials and can be inserted by patients themselves, making treatment more comfortable.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalInternational Journal of Pharmaceutics·DateJan 8, 2024

Rensselaer researcher helps scientists make sense of vast amounts of molecular data

Boleslaw Szymanski and his team developed a clustering method called SpeakEasy2: Champagne to group molecular data, which showed consistent performance across diverse applications. The method was tested on bulk gene expression, single-cell data, protein interaction networks, and large-scale human networks data, revealing its effectiven...

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalGenome Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 8, 2024

EMBARGOED UNTIL JAN. 8 @ 3 PM EST: UTHealth Houston study: EBV-specific T-cells play key role in development of multiple sclerosis

Researchers from UTHealth Houston discovered that Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-specific T-cells are present in high numbers in the cerebrospinal fluid of people with multiple sclerosis at its earliest stages. The study suggests that these cells may be contributing to the disease's pathogenesis.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 8, 2024

Building on CO2

Researchers at Empa's Concrete & Asphalt lab have developed a process for integrating biochar into concrete, achieving net zero emissions. The process involves processing biochar into pellets and incorporating them into concrete, resulting in a 20% by volume carbon content that offsets all emissions produced during production.

SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·JournalJournal of Cleaner Production·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 8, 2024

Ultrasensitive molecular sensing with synthesize complex-frequencey waves

Researchers demonstrate a new method to synthesize complex-frequency waves (CFW) to amplify molecular signals in graphene-based surface-enhanced infrared absorption (SEIRA). This approach increases the sensitivity of traditional SEIRA technologies, enabling the detection of trace molecules currently undetectable. CFWs enhance molecular...

Virginia Tech researchers find drugs used to treat Type 2 diabetes reduce alcohol cravings, use in individuals with obesity

A study by Virginia Tech researchers found that medications used to treat Type 2 diabetes, such as Ozempic and Mounjaro, can decrease cravings for alcohol and lead to reduced consumption in individuals with obesity. The findings add to a growing literature on the potential of GLP-1 agonists to curb dangerous drinking habits.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalScientific Reports·TypeContent analysis·DateJan 8, 2024

Researchers unveil useful strategies for sustainable gas storage and separation with clathrate hydrates

A new study by GIST researchers provides efficient hydrogen storage solutions using clathrate hydrates, overcoming limitations such as limited gas storage capacities and slow formation rates. The study offers crucial insights for developing clathrate hydrate-based technologies for carbon dioxide separation and hydrogen storage.

SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalAccounts of Chemical Research·TypeLiterature review·DateJan 8, 2024

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution researchers say accounting for plastic persistence can minimize environmental impacts

A new approach to designing plastic products with low environmental persistence could significantly reduce the environmental costs of single-use plastics. By analyzing the environmental degradation rate of different materials, researchers have identified alternative materials like cellulose diacetate and polyhydroxyalkanoates as potent...

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·DateJan 8, 2024

Evolution is not as random as previously thought, finds a new study

A new study has found that evolution is influenced by a genome's evolutionary history, allowing scientists to predict gene interactions and tackle real-world issues like antibiotic resistance. This discovery opens the door to new possibilities in synthetic biology, medicine, and environmental science.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 8, 2024

UC Study: Thirdhand smoke may harm children

A recent University of Cincinnati study found nicotine and a potent carcinogen called NNK on surfaces in children's homes, highlighting the persistence of thirdhand smoke pollutants even in homes with voluntary indoor smoking bans. The research emphasizes the importance of protecting children from tobacco exposure.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalJournal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology·DateJan 8, 2024

Study from ECNU Review of Education redevelops framework for teaching artificial intelligence and robotics

A study redevelops a framework for teaching artificial intelligence and robotics to preschool children, providing five big ideas that can be grasped by young kids. The framework aims to prepare children to understand and use AI tools effectively, promoting healthy and responsible learning in the rapidly developing digital society.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalECNU Review of Education·TypeSystematic review·DateJan 8, 2024

Participants in school-based gardening and food programs benefit from lasting impacts on dietary behaviors

A new study found that participants in school-based gardening and food programs experience lasting impacts on their dietary behaviors, including increased enjoyment of fresh foods, confidence in making healthy decisions, and appreciation for the benefits of experiential education. The FRESHFARM FoodPrints program, which has been operat...

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·TypeObservational study·DateJan 8, 2024

A novel strategy for extracting white mycelial pulp from fruiting mushroom bodies

A team of researchers at Shinshu University has successfully extracted mycelial pulp and fibers from fruiting mushroom bodies using sunlight, preserving their intricate mycelial structures. The fibers show excellent formability and potential applications in packaging materials, textiles, and soundproofing.

SourceShinshu University·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 8, 2024

Putting your toddler in front of the TV? You might hurt their ability to process the world around them, new data suggests

Research from Drexel University found that toddlers exposed to more screen time may exhibit disengaged and disinterested behavior, seeking intense stimulation, or being overwhelmed by sounds and lights. This could have implications for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism.

SourceDrexel University·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 8, 2024

Revolutionizing stable and efficient catalysts with Turing structures for hydrogen production

Researchers from City University of Hong Kong developed a novel strategy to engineer stable and efficient ultrathin nanosheet catalysts using Turing structures. This approach effectively resolves the instability problem associated with low-dimensional materials in catalytic systems, enabling efficient and long-lasting hydrogen production.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 8, 2024

Bottled water can contain hundreds of thousands of previously uncounted tiny plastic bits, study finds

Researchers used a new technique to count tiny plastic particles in bottled water, finding an average of 240,000 detectable fragments per liter, 10 times greater than previous estimates. Nanoplastics, smaller than microplastics, can pass through the bloodstream and reach organs like the heart and brain.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeImaging analysis·DateJan 8, 2024

Colorado State researcher leads global study of extreme drought impacts on grasslands and shrublands

A global study led by Colorado State University scientists shows that extreme drought has been greatly underestimated for grasslands and shrublands. The study found that the loss of aboveground plant growth was 60% greater when short-term drought was extreme, exceeding previously reported losses.

SourceColorado State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 8, 2024

Unlocking Earth's ammonia mysteries: China's HIRAS/FY-3D satellite reveals first global map

Researchers from China have developed an algorithm to derive atmospheric ammonia concentrations from the HIRAS instrument on the FY-3D satellite. This marks the first global map of atmospheric ammonia observed by the HIRAS instrument, providing crucial insights into its environmental impact and climate change implications.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateJan 8, 2024

Protecting coral ‘nurseries’ as important as safeguarding established coral reefs

A new study demonstrates that identifying and protecting marine ecosystems, known as coral nurseries, is crucial to future coral conservation and restoration efforts. These areas, where coral larvae can survive and thrive, are connected to established coral reefs via nearshore currents and reef structure.

SourceArizona State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 8, 2024

Cracking the case for non-glass wine bottles

Researchers found that non-glass wine bottles are up to 51% more carbon efficient than glass, but Australian consumers prefer traditional glass due to perceptions of heritage and luxury. Alternative formats like cask and flat plastic bottles gained popularity, especially among younger generations.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalJournal of Cleaner Production·TypeSurvey·DateJan 8, 2024

Preventing the destruction of Eucalyptus forest plantations: naturally occurring pathogenic fungi to control the Eucalyptus snout beetle

Scientists have identified two fungi, Beauveria pseudobassiana and Metarhizium brunneum, with high insecticidal activity against the Eucalyptus snout beetle. These naturally occurring pathogenic fungi could be used to develop a bio-pesticide for controlling the beetle in forest plantations.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalBiological Control·DateJan 8, 2024