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Science News for June 12, 2024


Modern seeds aren't ready for climate change

As industrial agriculture practices become unsustainable in extreme climates, smallholder farmers' landrace seeds are crucial for adapting crops to local conditions. By valuing and sharing seed diversity, researchers aim to promote benefit-sharing and center evolution and biodiversity in agricultural processes.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalPlants People Planet·DateJun 12, 2024

Omics research and AI tools are contributing to our understanding of what causes Alzheimer’s disease

The study highlights the potential of omics research and AI tools to disentangle the molecular drivers of Alzheimer’s disease. Key findings include the identification of novel biomarkers for early detection and therapeutic targets, as well as the exploration of genetic factors contributing to AD risk and progression.

SourceIOS Press·JournalJournal of Alzheimer’s Disease·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 12, 2024

Putting the brakes on chronic inflammation

Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine discovered that interleukin-23 acts on group 3 innate lymphoid cells to balance pro-inflammatory effects and maintain gut health. This interaction is impaired in chronic inflammatory bowel diseases, providing new insights into the disease and potential therapeutic targets.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalNature·DateJun 12, 2024

Artificial intelligence strategy may promise more widespread use of portable, robotic exoskeletons — on earth and in space

Researchers have developed an AI-powered controller that enables portable, robotic exoskeletons to learn and adapt in simulation, allowing for more efficient and realistic data. The new technology has shown promising results in reducing energy expenditure by up to 24.3% for wearers.

SourceEmbry-Riddle Aeronautical University·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 12, 2024

Association of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids with sarcopenia in liver cirrhosis patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

A study found that lower levels of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) were associated with poorer outcomes in patients with liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The researchers suggest that supplementing with n-3 PUFAs may help prevent sarcopenia and improve quality of life in these patients.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalJournal of Clinical and Translational Hepatology·DateJun 12, 2024

The gender gap in life expectancy: are eggs and sperm partly responsible?

A study published in Science Advances reveals that germ cells drive sex-dependent lifespan differences in vertebrate animals. Removing these cells led to similar lifespans in males and females of the turquoise killifish species. Vitamin D was also discovered to have a role in improving longevity, with supplementation extending life spans.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 12, 2024

Site new care homes near trees and away from busy roads to protect residents’ lungs, says new study

A new study suggests that care homes built next to busy roads without adequate tree planting can significantly increase exposure to deadly fine particle pollution. Building care homes near trees can mitigate this impact, with a significant decrease in indoor air quality found the further away from the road.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalAtmospheric Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 12, 2024

Ingestible microbiome sampling pill technology advances

Researchers at Tufts University have developed a small device that can sample the full inventory of microorganisms in an individual's gastrointestinal tract. The technology uses a soft elastic exterior and microvalves to collect samples, offering improved control over localized sampling in the small intestine.

SourceTufts University·JournalDevice·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 12, 2024

To heal skin, scientists invent living bioelectronics

Researchers at Rutgers University have developed a unique prototype of a 'living bioelectronic' device that combines advanced electronics, living cells, and hydrogel to treat psoriasis. The patch continuously monitors skin conditions and provides real-time feedback, offering a potential treatment for psoriasis and other skin ailments.

SourceRutgers University·JournalScience·TypeObservational study·DateJun 12, 2024

Pacific coast gray whales have gotten 13% shorter in the past 20-30 years, Oregon State study finds

Researchers found that Pacific Coast Feeding Group gray whales, a subset of the Eastern North Pacific population, have been getting smaller since around 2000. This decline could have major consequences for their health and reproductive success, and also raises alarm bells about the state of the food web.

SourceOregon State University·JournalGlobal Change Biology·TypeObservational study·DateJun 12, 2024

An AI-powered wearable system tracks the 3D movement of smart pills in the gut

Scientists developed an AI-powered system to track tiny devices that monitor markers of disease in the gut. The system includes a wearable coil and ingestible pill with optical gas-sensing membranes, pinpointing device location and measuring gases like ammonia. Future improvements aim to make the device smaller and more power-efficient.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 12, 2024

Major hearing difficulties in people over 90

A study by Åsa Winzell Juhlin from the University of Gothenburg found that all participants over 90 had hearing loss, with 80% requiring hearing aids. The research emphasizes the importance of addressing hearing health in this age group for physical and mental well-being.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalInternational Journal of Audiology·TypeObservational study·DateJun 12, 2024

Obesity-cancer connection discovery suggests strategies for improving immunotherapy

A Vanderbilt University Medical Center-led research team discovered a connection between obesity and cancer, revealing that macrophages play an unexpected role in the complicated connection. Obesity increases macrophage frequency in tumors and induces PD-1 expression, which can contribute to both increased cancer risk and enhanced resp...

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 12, 2024

From wearables to swallowables: USC Engineering researchers create GPS-like smart pills with AI

Researchers from USC Viterbi School of Engineering have developed ingestible sensors that track gastrointestinal health in real-time. These 'smart pills' use AI and wearable technology to detect gases associated with gastritis and gastric cancers, offering a significant step forward in ingestible technology.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 12, 2024

Piezocatalytically-induced controllable mineralization scaffold with bone-like microenvironment to achieve endogenous bone regeneration

Researchers developed a biomimetic tissue engineering scaffold with a bone-like microenvironment, promoting osteogenic differentiation of stem cells and enhancing bone regeneration in rat skull defects. The scaffolds exhibit piezoelectric properties and controlled mineralization, mimicking natural bone structure.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·DateJun 12, 2024

Exposure to heat and cold in early life may affect development of white matter in the brain

A study of over 2,000 preadolescents found that early life exposure to extreme temperatures can lead to slower white matter maturation, which may impact cognitive function. Children living in poorer neighborhoods are more vulnerable to the effects of cold and heat, with differences in windows of susceptibility observed.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeImaging analysis·DateJun 12, 2024

Sweetpotato’s sweet revenge

Researchers have identified 31 effector genes from the fungus Ceratocystis fimbriata, which causes devastating black rot in sweetpotatoes. This breakthrough provides a new approach to developing disease-resistant crops using effector-assisted breeding.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalMolecular Plant-Microbe Interactions·DateJun 12, 2024

Some honeybees learn tasks better than others, and gene expression patterns in their brains may be associated with this difference in ability

A recent study reveals that some honeybees exhibit superior learning abilities compared to others, which may be attributed to distinct gene expression patterns in their brains. The research explores the behavioral and genetic underpinnings of individual differences in learning performance among Apis mellifera.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 12, 2024

What waves know about their surroundings

Researchers at TU Wien have developed a theory to extract information from waves, allowing for precise measurements of objects in space. The theory reveals that the information content of a wave depends on its interaction with the object's properties, enabling customised waves to be generated for optimal information transfer.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 12, 2024

Scientists show the key role of spleen and extracellular vesicles in cryptic malaria infections

Researchers have identified the spleen as a critical organ in cryptic malaria infections, where over 95% of Plasmodium vivax biomass is stored. Extracellular vesicles facilitate the parasite's adherence to spleen cells, enabling its survival and evasion of immune responses.

SourceGermans Trias i Pujol Research Institute·JournalFrontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 12, 2024

New way to spot beetle-killed spruce can help forest, wildfire managers

A new machine-learning system can automatically produce detailed maps from satellite data to show locations of likely beetle-killed spruce trees in Alaska. This helps forestry and wildfire managers make critical decisions as the beetle infestation spreads, affecting approximately 2 million acres across Southcentral Alaska.

SourceUniversity of Alaska Fairbanks·JournalISPRS Journal of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing·DateJun 12, 2024

IEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica study presents novel protocol structure for achieving finite-time consensus of multi-agent systems

Researchers present a novel protocol structure for achieving global/semi-global finite-time consensus in multi-agent systems. The protocols use a hyperbolic tangent function to guarantee consensus and provide explicit calculation of settling time, making them practical for real-world applications.

SourceChinese Association of Automation·JournalIEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica·DateJun 12, 2024

Uncovering the nature of emergent magnetic monopoles

Scientists have discovered unique periodic structures in manganese germanide that behave like magnetic monopoles and antimonopoles. The researchers studied the collective excitation modes of these structures, revealing a way to experimentally determine their spatial configuration.

SourceWaseda University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 12, 2024

Boron nitride microribbons strengthened and toughened alumina composite ceramics with excellent mechanical, dielectric, and thermal conductivity properties

Researchers developed composite ceramics using boron nitride microribbons, resulting in improved mechanical properties, dielectric constant and thermal conductivity. The BN-based composites showed increased fracture toughness, bending strength, and thermal conductivity compared to pure alumina ceramics.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalJournal of Advanced Ceramics·DateJun 12, 2024

What is the neural mechanism behind helping someone at your own cost?

A study by Kalliopi Ioumpa and Selene Gallo investigated pro-social behaviour in self-reported mirror-pain synaesthetes, finding they donated significantly more money to alleviate others' pain. Mirror-pain synaesthetes activated their secondary somatosensory cortex more when witnessing others' pain, indicating a higher motivation to help.

SourceNetherlands Institute for Neuroscience - KNAW·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 12, 2024

When the TV show Neighbours ended, surveyed fans experienced strong grief, loss, and sometimes a lack of closure - implying that strong "parasocial" relationships link TV viewers and favorite shows

Surveyed Neighbours fans exhibited intense emotional responses, including grief and loss, indicating a deep parasocial connection with the show. The study suggests that these strong relationships can lead to feelings of abandonment or uncertainty when the series concludes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 12, 2024

A ‘liquid battery’ advance

Researchers at Stanford University have made significant advancements in the development of a 'liquid battery' technology that uses LOHCs to store and release energy. The team discovered a novel, selective catalytic system that allows for the efficient storage of electrical energy in liquid fuels without generating gaseous hydrogen.

SourceStanford University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJun 12, 2024

Western agricultural communities need water conservation strategies to adapt to future shortages

A new study by Desert Research Institute finds that relying on water storage alone is insufficient to address future water scarcity, and that water conservation measures such as crop changes can help restore up to 20% of reservoir capacity. Agricultural communities in the Western US are advised to adopt these strategies to mitigate the...

SourceDesert Research Institute·JournalEarth's Future·DateJun 12, 2024

New study reveals combined use of Donepezil and Memantine increases the probability of five-year survival of Alzheimer’s disease patients

A new study led by Chapman University researchers found that combining Donepezil and Memantine significantly increased the probability of five-year survival for Alzheimer's disease patients. The combined use of these two medications reduced mortality rates by 0.05, or 6.4%, compared to no treatment and single-drug use.

SourceChapman University·JournalCommunications Medicine·DateJun 12, 2024

Compositional and hollow engineering of silicon carbide/carbon microspheres as high-performance microwave absorbing materials with good environmental tolerance

The research develops composite microspheres with a hollow structure, enhancing microwave absorption performance and stability in extreme environments. The results show that SiC/C composite materials demonstrate outstanding wave absorption and radar stealth performance, unaffected by temperature and environmental conditions.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalNano-Micro Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 12, 2024

Unlocking the secrets of plant steroid hormones: the yin and yang of diosgenin and brassinosteroids

Researchers have constructed a regulatory network showing how diosgenin and brassinosteroids balance each other in Dioscorea zingiberensis, offering new insights into plant secondary metabolism. The study provides evidence of homeostasis and regulatory mechanisms for these vital compounds.

Study demonstrates sustained reduction in child mortality following educational interventions in low-resourced countries

A study published in Frontiers of Public Health found that educational interventions, including telesimulation-based team training and customized tools, can significantly reduce child mortality rates in pediatric intensive care units (PICUs) in low- and middle-income countries. The interventions led to a sustained decline in mortality ...

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalFrontiers in Public Health·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 12, 2024

Brain regions that bias the brain’s response to pleasure in bipolar disorder identified

Researchers discovered that brain regions, including anterior insula and striatum, are involved in the biased response to pleasure in people with bipolar disorder. In those with bipolar disorder, these brain regions show reduced communication, leading to a 'vicious cycle' of escalating mood and risk-taking behavior.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalBiological Psychiatry Global Open Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 12, 2024

Ambivalence + polarized views can promote political violence

A new study suggests that ambivalence about a political issue can lead people with polarized views to compensate for their discomfort by supporting extreme actions. Researchers found that those with strong but conflicted views were more likely to support extreme actions, such as getting opponents fired from their jobs, than others.

SourceOhio State University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 12, 2024

Greek Island was home to Bronze Age purple dye workshop

A Bronze Age purple dye workshop has been found on the Greek island of Aegina, featuring tools, ceramics, and snail shells that reveal the production process. The site provides insights into Mycenaean culture and trade during the Late Bronze Age.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateJun 12, 2024

Wayne State’s Community Health Worker Academy receives MDHHS grant to support expansion of Neighborhood Wellness Center initiative

The project aims to enhance workforce and social services provided by community health workers, launching consultations and screenings, providing education and resources, and offering referrals. The goal is to improve living conditions and prevent chronic diseases in Southeast Michigan, particularly in Detroit.

A route to scalable Majorana qubits

The discovery enables experiments with Majoranas that were previously inaccessible, thanks to the flexibility of the new 2D platform. This breakthrough paves the way for the creation of networks of Majoranas and integration with auxiliary elements needed for control and readout.

SourceDelft University of Technology·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 12, 2024

Study shows politicians deny misdeeds because we want to believe them

A recent study published in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin found that people are more likely to support a politician who denies wrongdoing, especially if they share the same party affiliation. The research suggests that partisans tend to have different standards for different politicians, with those from their own party bei...

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 12, 2024

Cocaine trafficking threatens critical bird habitats

A new study finds that two-thirds of critical bird habitats are at increased risk from cocaine trafficking activities. The study highlights the unexpected connection between drug trafficking and biodiversity, revealing that areas with growing levels of cocaine trafficking become more attractive to migratory birds.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Sustainability·DateJun 12, 2024

Mouse study identifies unique approach for preventing life-threatening complications after spinal cord injury

Researchers identified a unique approach to preventing abnormal nerve growth and autonomic dysfunction after spinal cord injury. Depleting microglia cells was found to be effective in preventing life-threatening complications, which significantly improves quality of life for people with spinal cord injuries.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 12, 2024

Frailty, not just surgery type, is a major determinant of postoperative outcomes in older adults

A new study found that frailty significantly predicts postoperative outcomes in older adults, including higher mortality rates and increased readmission rates. Frail patients experience substantial home time loss due to more days spent in skilled nursing facilities and longer recovery times.

SourceHebrew SeniorLife Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research·JournalAnaesthesia·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 12, 2024

Pairing shelter dogs has ‘pawsitive’ results

A study by Virginia Tech researchers found that shelter dogs paired with suitable companions exhibited reduced stress levels and were adopted more quickly. The findings suggest that matching dogs with compatible roommates could alleviate stress and improve their adoptability, leading to better outcomes for animal shelters.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateJun 12, 2024

Avoidable deaths during Covid-19 associated with chronic hospital nurse understaffing

A recent study found that hospitals with chronic understaffed nurses had higher mortality rates among Covid-19 patients. The researchers suggest that investing in nursing services prior to the pandemic could have prevented thousands of deaths. Thorough staffing and nurse education are seen as crucial for hospital preparedness.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalInternational Journal of Nursing Studies·DateJun 12, 2024

Discovery of the microfossil Qingjiangonema from the 518-million-year-old Qingjiang biota sheds light on the adaptive evolution of sulfate-reducing bacteria in response to oxygenation in Earth’s history

A 518-million-year-old microbial fossil, Qingjiangonema cambria, provides crucial clues to determine the biological affinity of ancient sulfate-reducing bacteria. The discovery sheds light on the evolution of sulfate-reducing bacteria and cable bacteria in response to oxygenation events.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·DateJun 12, 2024

Study shows role of fathers in seeding the microbiota of newborns and confirms benefits of maternal fecal microbiota transplants

Researchers found that many bacterial strains present in infants at 3 weeks, months, and 12 months originated from the father, not the mother. This discovery highlights the importance of physical and social interactions between newborns and their fathers, as well as with other family members.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Host & Microbe·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 12, 2024

New technique reveals earliest signs of genetic mutations

Researchers developed a new technique called HiDEF-seq to detect early molecular changes in DNA code that precede mutations. The study found higher numbers of single-strand DNA changes in healthy cells from people with genetic syndromes linked to cancer, suggesting a link between these changes and the development of cancer.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 12, 2024

NSF CAREER grant to investigate design of fluorescent protein sensors with computer simulations that may aid human health and disease

Dr. Alice Walker will investigate the design of fluorescent protein sensors using computer simulations, which may aid in tracking diseases and monitoring treatment effectiveness in living cells and organisms. The five-year $690,816 grant also supports undergraduate research opportunities for WSU students.

A Ted Talk in thermo detection

Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University propose locally embedded thermoelectric devices (TEDs) to actively cool hot spots in circuits. TEDs remove heat from hot spots using thermoelectric effects, improving cooling efficiency by a factor of 100 compared to conventional materials.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 12, 2024