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Science News for July 17, 2024


Unraveling the DNA mystique of Saposhnikovia divaricata: New horizons in herbal medicine

A pioneering study has sequenced the genome of Saposhnikovia divaricata, a traditional medicinal herb, revealing its evolutionary adaptations and therapeutic benefits. The research paves the way for enhancing the plant's efficacy through targeted genomic breeding strategies, potentially leading to superior therapeutic applications.

Living in greener neighborhoods during midlife can slow cognitive decline

A new study found that increased exposure to residential greenery during midlife can help stave off cognitive decline. Higher average exposure to greenness was linked to higher levels of cognitive function and slower cognitive decline, particularly among people living in low-socioeconomic status and highly populated neighborhoods.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·TypeObservational study·DateJul 17, 2024

New NIPT-based method reveals 33 pathogenic CNVs in the DMD gene

Researchers developed a new NIPT-based method that reveals 33 pathogenic copy number variations (CNVs) in the Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) gene. This study provides valuable insights into the frequency and spectrum of maternal CNV carriers in the Chinese population.

SourceBGI Genomics·JournalClinical and Translational Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 17, 2024

Paleolithic diets are not without risks

A recent UNIGE study highlights the risks of high-protein diets, also known as Paleolithic diets, which can lead to severe neurological disorders. Excess protein increases ammonium production, overwhelming the liver and potentially causing coma in severe cases.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·TypeNews article·DateJul 17, 2024

7 in 10 surveyed US adults believe humor can be an effective parenting tool, with those whose parents used humor being more likely to say their parents had done a good job and to report high-quality relationships with them

A survey of 7 in 10 US adults found that humor can be an effective parenting tool, with individuals whose parents used humor more likely to report positive relationships. Those who grew up in households using humor reported better parental bonding and stronger family ties.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 17, 2024

New study shows how organic molecules impact gold nanoparticles

A new study by Prof. Daniel Mandler and his team found that organic molecules can significantly influence the electrical properties of gold nanoparticles, up to 71 mV. The research highlights the importance of capping agents in controlling nanoparticle behavior and provides insights for customizing their interactions.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 17, 2024

Cuttlefish can form false memories, too

Researchers found that cuttlefish can create false memories by mentally reconstructing events from different features, but not scents. This suggests an efficient memory strategy where smaller building blocks are stored and reconstructed, reducing memory costs.

SourceCell Press·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 17, 2024

Advanced deep learning and UAV imagery boost precision agriculture for future food security

This study demonstrates the effectiveness of combining AI and UAV imagery for precision agriculture, showcasing AlexNet's superior performance in crop classification. The research highlights the importance of early stopping techniques to prevent overfitting, suggesting further optimization for broader applications.

SourceMaximum Academic Press·JournalTechnology in Agronomy·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 17, 2024

WIYN 3.5-meter telescope at Kitt Peak discovers extremely strange orbit of rare exoplanet

A team of astronomers has discovered an exoplanet with an elongated and backwards orbit, which holds clues to the formation history and future trajectories of high-mass gas giants. The exoplanet, named TIC 241249530 b, is approximately five times more massive than Jupiter and orbits its host star in a highly eccentric path.

How our brains learn new athletic skills fast

A new study from University of Florida researchers found that quick learners rely on the visual cortex in their brains when acquiring new motor skills. The study used brain-monitoring electrodes to analyze how people learn to walk at different speeds, revealing a clear difference between fast and slow learners.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournaleNeuro·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 17, 2024

A study led by the Universitat Politècnica de València detects the largest methane leak ever recorded in an oil well

An international team of scientists led by Dr Luis Guanter has documented the largest methane leak ever recorded in an oil well. The study reveals that this massive emission outperformed previous events such as Aliso Canyon, Ohio and Louisiana, releasing approximately 131 tonnes of methane into the atmosphere.

SourceUniversitat Politècnica de València·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·TypeObservational study·DateJul 17, 2024

Designing safer opioids

Researchers have identified a strategy to design safer opioids that suppress pain with fewer side effects. An experimental opioid, RO76, was found to produce a signal within cells that differs from those initiated by classic opioids, leading to reduced breathing rates and withdrawal symptoms.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Central Science·DateJul 17, 2024

Stress-related cell damage linked to negative mental and physical health effects among caregivers

Researchers at Rice University found that chronic stress impacts cellular health, leading to decreased energy levels and increased inflammation, which can result in dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and other health problems. Caregivers with less leftover cellular energy experience fewer positive emotions and have lower physical functioning.

SourceRice University·JournalPsychosomatic Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 17, 2024

Research tracks 66 million years of mammalian diversity

A new study from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln examines fossil records going back 66 million years, tracking changes in mammalian ecosystems and species diversity. The research reveals that following the mass extinction of non-avian dinosaurs, mammalian communities experienced a surge in functional diversity for 10 million years.

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 17, 2024

Risk of long COVID declined over course of pandemic

The risk of developing long COVID has decreased significantly over time, primarily attributed to vaccination against COVID-19. Despite this decline, the researchers found that vaccinated individuals still face a substantial risk of long COVID, with an estimated 3.5% rate in some groups.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 17, 2024

What fat cats on a diet may tell us about obesity in humans

Researchers analyzed fecal samples from fat cats undergoing different dietary changes and found striking similarities to human studies, particularly in the presence of short-chain fatty acids. The study suggests that feline gut microbiome shifts may correlate with metabolic outcomes and provide valuable insights for obesity treatment.

SourceOhio State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 17, 2024

Heritable chronic cholestatic liver diseases

These disorders, including CHF, CD, CS, ALGS, and BA, result from genetic mutations affecting bile formation and transport. Management focuses on symptom control, prevention of complications, and definitive treatment with liver transplantation when indicated.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalJournal of Clinical and Translational Hepatology·DateJul 17, 2024

New technology to control the brain using magnetic fields developed

Researchers have developed Nano-MIND technology, which uses magnetism to selectively activate specific deep brain neural circuits, modulating complex brain functions such as cognition and emotion. The technology has been successfully tested in animals, demonstrating its potential to regulate feeding behaviors and maternal instincts.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 17, 2024

When the brain speaks, the heart feels it

Activation of the brain's reward system may improve recovery from a heart attack by reducing infarct scarring and improving clinical outcomes. The study found that stimulation of the reward system resulted in favorable modulation of the immune response within the damaged myocardium, leading to an improvement in cardiac performance.

SourceTechnion-Israel Institute of Technology·JournalNature Cardiovascular Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 17, 2024

Researchers identify brain circuits tied to the behavior of schooling fish

Studies in glassfish reveal that vision plays a crucial role in coordinated schooling behavior, with maturity also essential for developing this ability. Researchers discovered that older fish can distinguish between movement patterns of their social partners, allowing them to align their bodies and swim together effectively.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 17, 2024

Researchers propose an improvement in the identification of human remains using craniofacial superimposition

A new system for evaluating evidence in craniofacial superimposition uses likelihood ratios to provide quantitative support for forensic experts. The proposed method excels in calibration and discriminating power, offering a tool for integrating and evaluating evidence objectively.

SourceUniversity of Granada·JournalInformation Fusion·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 17, 2024

The eyes have it: Visual inspection experience essential for airport security screening

Researchers studied airport security screeners' performance using eye-tracking technology, finding that less experienced screeners rely on slower and weaker strategies. The study suggests that training is essential for critical safety tasks like x-ray screening, and that expertise can be developed in six months of on-the-job experience.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalApplied Ergonomics·TypeObservational study·DateJul 17, 2024

Gender inequality across US states revealed by new tool

A new tool has been developed to compare gender inequality among different US states, revealing substantial gender disparities across the country. States with higher gender inequality scores tend to have lower measures of women's wellbeing and fewer tweets about the #MeToo movement.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateJul 17, 2024

A hydrogel implant to treat endometriosis

Researchers at ETH Zurich developed a hydrogel implant to treat endometriosis by preventing retrograde menstruation and acting as a barrier to sperm. The implant can be easily destroyed and is compatible with native tissue, offering a promising non-surgical solution for women suffering from the condition.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJul 17, 2024

The courtship of leopard seals off the coast of South America

Researchers have made groundbreaking insights into the reproductive behaviors of a mysterious apex predator, leopard seals. A two-hour courtship interaction between a male and female leopard seal in Laguna San Rafael, Chile, revealed complexity in their behavior, including in-air calls by females and underwater vocalizations.

SourceBaylor University·JournalPolar Biology·TypeObservational study·DateJul 17, 2024

New antidote for cobra bites discovered

A team of scientists at the University of Sydney has repurposed a commonly used blood thinner, heparin, as an inexpensive antidote for cobra venom. The discovery could drastically reduce the impact of snakebites worldwide, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where cobra species account for most snakebite incidents.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 17, 2024

Autoantibodies behind lifelong risk of viral infections

A new study reveals that about two percent of the population develop autoantibodies against type 1 interferons, making them more susceptible to severe viral infections. The autoantibodies remain detectable in the blood for life and are associated with a compromised type 1 interferon system.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 17, 2024

Mental health training for line managers linked to better business performance, says new study

New research from the University of Nottingham found that mental health training for line managers is strongly associated with better business outcomes, including improved staff recruitment and retention, customer service, and reduced long-term mental health sickness absence. The study suggests that providing such training could save c...

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateJul 17, 2024

Engineering resilience: Advanced FEM enhances earthquake impact assessment

Researchers introduce a velocity-based space-time finite element method to tackle complex dynamics of soil-structure interaction during seismic events, offering superior accuracy and stability in long-duration simulations. This approach can contribute to the creation of safer and more resilient infrastructure, potentially saving lives ...

SourceMaximum Academic Press·JournalInternational Journal of Mechanical System Dynamics·DateJul 17, 2024

BU study: Patients with AD have higher frequency of mental health symptoms which can precede memory problems

A new study from Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine found a link between AD pathology and emotional behavioral symptoms. Individuals with AD who decline in memory abilities also experience worsened mental health, which may be due to underlying brain changes.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Alzheimer’s Disease·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 17, 2024

New study finds cell donor’s socioeconomic status shapes cancer treatment outcomes

A new study published in PNAS reveals that cancer patients who receive hematopoietic cell transplants from donors with lower socioeconomic status experience reduced overall survival and increased transplant-related mortality. The research highlights the profound impact of social inequality on health outcomes, particularly in cancer care.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 17, 2024

Chinese expert consensus on refined diagnosis, treatment and management of advanced primary liver cancer: 2023 edition

Experts have established a comprehensive guideline for classifying and treating advanced liver cancer in China. The guidelines recommend personalized treatment options based on tumor characteristics, vascular tumor thrombus grade, distant metastasis, liver function status, portal hypertension, and hepatitis B virus replication status.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalLiver Research·TypeSurvey·DateJul 17, 2024

The most endangered fish are the least studied

A recent study published in Science Advances found that the most threatened reef fishes receive less attention from scientists and the public due to commercial value vs. ecological importance. Small fish families like blennies and gobies are underrepresented despite their crucial role in trophodynamics.

SourceCNRS·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 17, 2024

Understanding willingness to pay for nationwide wastewater surveillance in Japan

A survey-based study found that 97% of Japanese respondents are willing to pay for a nationwide wastewater surveillance system, with a median value of $8.83 per household per year. The estimated annual tax would be more than enough to cover system maintenance costs, making the system economically justified.

SourceWaseda University·JournalEnvironmental Science Water Research & Technology·TypeSurvey·DateJul 17, 2024

All FODMAPs aren’t created equal: Working toward alternative diets to manage IBS

New studies suggest a simplified, less restrictive low FODMAP diet may be effective for managing irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The alternative 'FODMAP-simple' diet restricts only fructans and galacto-oligosaccharides without restricting other FODMAP groups. This approach may reduce symptoms and improve patient adherence to the diet.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 17, 2024

Children living in greener neighborhoods show better lung function

A meta-analysis of 35,000 children from eight European countries has found a robust link between exposure to green spaces and better lung function. Children living in greener neighborhoods had higher forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), indicating improved airway function.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalEnvironment International·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 17, 2024

Key driver for epithelial cancer development identified

A distinct TNF-α signaling program has been identified as a key driver of epithelial cancer development, contributing to cell proliferation and invasion. The researchers found that this program is active in both normal tissues and tumors, but its level of activity correlates with tumor aggressiveness.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 17, 2024

Engineered extracellular vesicles enable high-efficient delivery of intracellular therapeutic proteins

Researchers developed an approach to deliver intracellular therapeutic proteins using engineered extracellular vesicles (EVs), bypassing the need for scaffold proteins. This method demonstrated significant activation of interferon signaling and potent antitumor responses in both in vitro and in vivo experiments.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalProtein & Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 17, 2024

Smart soil can water and feed itself

A newly engineered hydrogel-infused soil system has been developed to capture water from the air and release nutrients, resulting in larger, healthier plants using less water and fertilizer. The technology has shown promising results in experiments, with a 138% increase in stem length compared to regular soil.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalACS Materials Letters·DateJul 17, 2024

University of Cambridge students who undertook an 8 week mindfulness course were still reporting more frequent experiences of disembodiment and of unity a year later, in randomized controlled trial examining altered states of consciousness

University of Cambridge students who undertook an 8-week mindfulness course reported increased frequencies of disembodiment and unity up to a year after the program. The randomized controlled trial found long-term effects of mindfulness on altered states of consciousness.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 17, 2024

Breastfeeding priorities most important to parents

A collaborative effort between The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine and Reaching our Sisters Everywhere identified key components of a successful breastfeeding journey as defined by parents and families. The findings aim to inform research priorities and promote patient-centered outcomes in infant and young-child feeding.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalBreastfeeding Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateJul 17, 2024

Rhizobacteria identified to combat striga and boost sorghum yields in Ethiopia

A research team identified rhizobacteria capable of suppressing Striga infestation in sorghum, with isolates from the Pseudomonas genus demonstrating promising biocontrol potential. The study highlights the potential of using rhizobacteria as environmentally friendly bioherbicides to improve sorghum productivity in Ethiopia.

SourceMaximum Academic Press·JournalTechnology in Agronomy·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 17, 2024

New technique could help treat aggressive brain tumors

Researchers have developed a new technique called burst sine wave electroporation (B-SWE) that can disrupt the blood-brain barrier around brain tumors without causing significant damage to healthy tissue. This method shows promise for treating aggressive brain cancers like glioblastoma, which currently have limited treatment options.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalAPL Bioengineering·DateJul 17, 2024

Cage-free chickens are louse-y

A recent study by University of California - Riverside researchers has discovered that lice are a significant threat to free-range chicken populations, causing skin lesions and disrupting healthy behaviors. The study's findings have implications for states like California, where all egg production is cage-free.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalParasites & Vectors·DateJul 17, 2024

Doctors reluctant to treat addiction most commonly report “lack of institutional support” as barrier

A new study identified the top reasons why physicians may be reluctant to intervene in addiction, with 'institutional environment' being the most commonly reported barrier. The study highlights the need for increased organizational support, leadership buy-in, and education to improve adoption of evidence-based care.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJul 17, 2024

Endometriosis typology and ovarian cancer risk

A study of nearly half a million women found that endometriosis was associated with a higher risk of ovarian cancer. The risk was particularly elevated among women with ovarian endometriomas or deep infiltrating endometriosis, with a 19-fold increased risk for certain types of ovarian cancer.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateJul 17, 2024

Using early on-treatment circulating tumor DNA measurements as response assessment in metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer

Researchers from Radboud University Medical Center discuss the potential of using early on-treatment circulating tumor DNA measurements as a response assessment for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. The detection of ctDNA at baseline and 4-weeks after treatment initiation can predict response durability to first-line ARPIs.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 17, 2024

New training program facilitates home-based transcranial electrical stimulation

A new training program enables older adults to receive Transcranial Electrical Stimulation (tES) in their homes, with high satisfaction rates and adherence. The program's remote nature is expected to increase accessibility among underrepresented populations, accelerating tES intervention discoveries.

SourceHebrew SeniorLife Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research·JournalNeuromodulation Technology at the Neural Interface·DateJul 17, 2024

Ant insights lead to robot navigation breakthrough

Researchers at TU Delft developed an insect-inspired navigation strategy for tiny, lightweight robots, allowing them to return home after long trajectories while requiring minimal computation and memory. The strategy combines visual breadcrumbs and step counting to enable autonomous navigation in cluttered environments.

SourceDelft University of Technology·JournalScience Robotics·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 17, 2024