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Science News for July 29, 2024


Timber plantations near urbanized areas support the movement of small and medium-sized terrestrial mammals between patches of natural forest

Researchers found 16 native species of mammals using timber plantations as corridors and refuges in Central Panama. However, teak monocultures showed the lowest records of species, highlighting the importance of restoring natural habitats for comprehensive wildlife conservation.

Nature inspires a breakthrough: scientists develop revolutionary egg white-based bioink for advanced tissue engineering

Terasaki Institute scientists have created a novel bioink derived from egg whites, offering abundant proteins and excellent biocompatibility. This breakthrough technology has the potential to create more accurate tissue models for drug testing and develop functional tissue replacements for regenerative medicine applications.

SourceTerasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 29, 2024

Patients in hospitals that provide inpatient addiction services were more likely to start and continue lifesaving medication for opioid use disorder treatment after discharge

A new study found that patients in hospitals with specialized addiction consult services were more likely to start and continue lifesaving medication for opioid use disorder treatment after discharge. The CATCH program, a hospital-based intervention, showed promising results in increasing treatment initiation and retention rates compar...

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJul 29, 2024

The hidden drivers of evolution: transposable elements in Rosaceae genomes

This study investigates transposable elements in 14 Rosaceae genomes, revealing distinct evolutionary patterns and effects on genome size and gene expression. Gene near recent TE insertions are associated with adversity resistance, while those near older insertions link to morphogenesis, enzyme activity, and metabolic processes.

Is free genetic testing really free?

A recent commentary in the Canadian Medical Association Journal argues that free genetic testing may have trade-offs, particularly regarding patient data protection and potential harm. The authors emphasize the need for comprehensive guidance to help practitioners navigate this complex issue.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJul 29, 2024

Analogies for modeling belief dynamics

Several common analogies used to model belief dynamics are examined for their conceptual mileage and baggage. The authors argue that while these analogies can provide useful concepts and methodologies, they have limitations and can lead to inaccurate inferences. To construct accurate models, researchers should consider multiple sources...

SourceSanta Fe Institute·JournalTrends in Cognitive Sciences·DateJul 29, 2024

Kidney dysfunction may predict sudden cardiac death in patients with heart failure

A recent study published in ESC Heart Failure found that kidney dysfunction can be used as a criterion to stratify patients requiring implantable defibrillators. The research identified two key independent predictors for the risk of sudden cardiac death: left ventricular ejection fraction and estimated glomerular filtration rate.

SourceFujita Health University·JournalESC Heart Failure·TypeObservational study·DateJul 29, 2024

From tree holes to trash

A team of biologists has discovered a unique breeding behavior in the Andamanese Charles Darwin's frog, laying terrestrial eggs inside tree holes in an upside-down position. The frog also produces complex advertisement calls and engages in aggressive fights for mating rights.

SourceHarvard University·JournalBreviora·TypeObservational study·DateJul 29, 2024

Scientists untangle interactions between the Earth’s early life forms and the environment over 500 million years

Researchers explored ancient interactions between life and the environment during the Phanerozoic Eon, a period of significant habitability improvements. They found that ocean algae played a crucial role in reducing atmospheric carbon dioxide levels and increasing oxygen levels, allowing for the evolution of more complex life forms.

SourceSyracuse University·JournalNational Science Review·DateJul 29, 2024

Most US voters agree on basic human values – so is polarization exaggerated?

A recent study by the Universities of Bath and Essex reveals that a vast majority of American voters share fundamental values, with only 5% of extreme voters holding differing views. The researchers suggest that highlighting similarities between Republicans and Democrats can increase hope about the future and inspire trust.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·TypeSurvey·DateJul 29, 2024

Physical activity offsets the mortality risk associated with excessive sitting time in adults with diabetes

A new study found that adults with diabetes who meet the recommended physical activity guidelines may offset the increased mortality risk associated with excessive sitting time. The study analyzed data from over 12,000 adults with diabetes and found that those who were physically active had a lower risk of death compared to those who s...

Balancing the seesaw: Simultaneously enhancing strength and elongation in metallic materials

A team of researchers from POSTECH has introduced a novel approach to balance strength and elongation in metallic materials. By using periodic spinodal decomposition, they created an alloy that boasts both high strength and high elongation, achieving a yield strength of 1.1 GPa with nearly the same elongation as before.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 29, 2024

A novel method implementing investment decision-making of prospect theory utility toward stock markets

A novel method implementing investment decision-making of prospect theory utility toward stock markets has been developed and empirically investigated. The new method, cross-sectional prospect theory value (CSPTV), is shown to improve the predictive power of performance persistence in future holding periods compared to existing methods.

SourcePusan National University·JournalInternational Review of Financial Analysis·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 29, 2024

Study identifies protein that affects health of gut microbiota and response to bacterial infection

A study identified a protein called IL-22BP that affects the composition of gut microbiota and the body's response to bacterial infection. The absence of this protein results in stronger defenses against intestinal infections, including increased production of short-chain fatty acids that promote an anti-inflammatory environment.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 29, 2024

Virus that causes COVID-19 is widespread in wildlife, Virginia Tech scientists find

Researchers detected SARS-CoV-2 in six common backyard species, including deer mice, Virginia opossums, and raccoons, with unique viral mutations found in some animals. The study highlights the need for broad surveillance and suggests that areas with high human activity may serve as points of contact for cross-species transmission.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 29, 2024

Lettuce may be just as good as dock leaf for easing nettle sting symptoms

A small comparative study found that rubbing a lettuce leaf on a nettle sting may provide similar relief to using a dock leaf. The cooling and soothing effect of sap evaporation from the crushed leaf is thought to be responsible for this effect, which may work just as well without any treatment.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalEmergency Medicine Journal·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 29, 2024

Salt stress induces SFT expression, promotes early flowering, and inhibits floral organ development by disturbing cell cycle in tomato

Salt stress induces early flowering in tomatoes by upregulating the SINGLE-FLOWER TRUSS (SFT) gene, which promotes accelerated flowering and inhibits floral organ development. Additionally, salt stress disrupts cell cycle progression in floral organs, leading to reduced organ size and altered morphology.

SourceMaximum Academic Press·JournalVegetable Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 29, 2024

To get drivers to put down their phones, make it a game

Researchers found that a game-based approach can significantly reduce handheld phone use among drivers, with a 28% reduction in usage. The intervention included earning points for reducing phone use and competing on a leaderboard, leading to lasting improvements in driver behavior.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 29, 2024

Finnish happiness expert seeks to shift governments’ focus from GDP to well-being

Aalto University Professor Frank Martela advocates for a more precise definition of well-being to improve policy decisions. His theory combines life satisfaction and positive feelings, arguing that economic growth can be counterproductive to humanity's future. By targeting cuts in areas with the least well-being, governments can promot...

SourceAalto University·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Review·DateJul 29, 2024

Researchers decipher new molecular mechanisms related to biological tissue regeneration

The study reveals that tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) has two TNFR receptors with opposing functions, one promoting cell survival and regeneration, while the other enhances cell death. This finding could lead to designing molecules that stimulate tissue regeneration in patients with severe burns or inflammatory bowel diseases.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalThe EMBO Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 29, 2024

Rice lab finds faster, cleaner way to extract lithium from battery waste

A new process by Rice University researchers recovers up to 50% of lithium in spent LIB cathodes in just 30 seconds, overcoming a significant bottleneck in LIB recycling technology. The microwave-based method uses a readily biodegradable solvent and achieves efficiencies similar to conventional heating methods but much faster.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 29, 2024

New study highlights the importance of psychological resilience in helping kids recover from concussions

A new study published in the journal Brain Connectivity reveals how psychological resilience can aid children's recovery from concussions. The research found that building resilience through supportive family environments and effective coping strategies may help young patients heal faster.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalBrain Connectivity·TypeImaging analysis·DateJul 29, 2024

UC San Diego researchers use non-invasive technique to record involuntary nervous system

UC San Diego researchers have developed a wearable, non-invasive device that can record activity in human cervical nerves, providing early warning signs for conditions like sepsis and PTSD. The device uses magnetoneurography to detect changes in nerve activity, offering an early diagnostic marker of pathogen infection or inflammation.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCommunications Biology·DateJul 29, 2024

Plant-inspired polymers for water purification

A German-Japanese research team developed a polymer inspired by a protein found in plants to selectively remove harmful heavy-metal ions from water. The polymer achieves high specificity and efficiency, making it a promising solution for improving water treatment processes.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 29, 2024

AI brain images create realistic synthetic data to use in medical research

An AI model developed by King's College London has produced realistic synthetic images of the human brain, supporting medical research on brain diseases like dementia, stroke, and multiple sclerosis. The high-resolution images accurately reflect clinical factors and can be used to tailor treatment plans for individual patients.

SourceKing's College London·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 29, 2024

Local food production saves costs and carbon

A study by Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology found that local food harvesting is more economically-efficient and less carbon-intensive than industrial food production in the Canadian Arctic. Replacing locally-harvested foods with market substitutes would cost over $3 million per year and emit over 1,000 tonnes of CO2-e...

SourceMax Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 29, 2024

Published research from the Parkinson’s Foundation shows genetic variants are more common in people with Parkinson’s disease than originally thought

The PD GENEration study has found that 13% of participants have a genetic form of Parkinson's disease, significantly higher than previous estimates. The study, which reached its goal of 15,000 participants ahead of schedule, provides insights into the genetics of the disease and its potential for precision medicine.

SourceParkinson's Foundation·JournalBrain·TypeObservational study·DateJul 29, 2024

Duke-NUS study reveals peer influence can promote healthier shopping habits

Researchers found that adding behavioural nudges and financial incentives improved diet quality by 14% when consumers saw front-of-pack nutrition labels and how their peers' baskets compared. The combined effect was akin to moving average nutritional quality from C grade to B grade, resulting in significant sugar and sodium reductions.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalFood Policy·TypeObservational study·DateJul 29, 2024

NUS researchers develop a novel technique to fabricate three-dimensional circuits for advanced electronics

The NUS researchers developed a state-of-the-art technique called CHARM3D to fabricate three-dimensional electronic circuits with high electrical conductivity, self-healing capabilities, and recyclability. This new technique enables the printing of free-standing metallic structures without support materials or external pressure.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalNature Electronics·DateJul 29, 2024

The sooner the better: teaching healthy habits in elementary school reduces abdominal fat

A large-scale study published in JACC shows that promoting healthy habits in elementary school children can effectively reduce abdominal fat and obesity markers. The study found that early intervention, particularly during the first three years of school, was more effective than delayed interventions.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·TypeObservational study·DateJul 29, 2024

A camera trap for the invisible

A new AI-powered image recognition technique could help scientists detect dark matter at the LHC by flagging fleeting tracks before collisions occur. The technique, developed by Ashutosh Kotwal and his team, processes images in under 250 nanoseconds and weeds out uninteresting data points.

SourceDuke University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 29, 2024

Researchers realize multi-heterojunctioned plastics with high thermoelectric figure of merit

Researchers have developed a novel polymeric multi-heterojunction structure that surpasses traditional materials' limitations, achieving a high dimensionless figure of merit (ZT) exceeding 1.0. The new design manipulates thermal conductivity in organic systems, leading to a significant reduction in lattice thermal conductivity and exce...

Fetal brain impacted when mom fights severe flu: New mouse study explains how

A new study using live mice and influenza virus sheds light on how maternal immune response affects fetal brain development. Researchers found that only a subset of severe infections can cause changes in the developing fetal brain, increasing the risk for neurodevelopmental disorders like schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorder.

Many juvenile ‘lifers’ freed

A US study has compiled data on 2,904 juvenile 'lifers', revealing significant progress in resentencing and release, but also highlighting challenges faced by those returning to society. The research underscores the need for comprehensive support systems to facilitate successful reintegration.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalJournal of Criminal Justice·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 29, 2024

Carbon assurance likely to become mandatory

Research from Edith Cowan University finds that carbon assurance will likely become mandatory due to growing stakeholder demand and IFRS climate change disclosures. Companies with existing systems in place for tracking carbon emissions are expected to reap benefits, including increased shareholder investment.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalThe British Accounting Review·TypeObservational study·DateJul 29, 2024