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Science News for June 3, 2024


​​​​​​​Urgent need for action now for increasing threat from invasive alien species

A team of international experts emphasizes the need for collaboration across borders and within countries to address the growing threat of invasive alien species. The paper, published in Nature, Ecology & Evolution, highlights the critical evaluation of existing knowledge on invasive alien species and their control.

SourceUK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeSystematic review·DateJun 3, 2024

Key nutrients help plants beat the heat

Researchers at Salk Institute found that higher temperatures drain plants of important dietary nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, affecting their long-term sustainability. The study's findings will inform the engineering of climate-resilient crops to address global warming's impact on food production.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 3, 2024

Centering relationships between people and place: A critical step towards improving science's contributions to society

The authors argue that building relationships with places of study can lead to more fair science, accurate and meaningful research outcomes. They propose three pathways: deepening reflection and communication about relationships, strengthening collaboration amongst research teams, and transforming systems of knowledge creation to foste...

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 3, 2024

ACP recommends AI tech should augment physician decision-making, not replace it

The American College of Physicians (ACP) recommends that artificial intelligence (AI) technology should augment physician decision-making, rather than replacing it. ACP advises that AI tools should be designed to enhance human intelligence, prioritize privacy and clinical safety, and reduce disparities in healthcare.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateJun 3, 2024

The embryo assembles itself

Researchers introduce a new mathematical framework that analyzes self-organization in embryonic development. The framework, which uses information theory, predicts optimal parameters for the process and provides insight into how cells interact with each other. This discovery has implications for understanding complex biological processes.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 3, 2024

Two-pronged attack strategy boosts immunotherapy in preclinical studies

A new immunotherapy approach employs a two-pronged attack against solid tumors to boost the immune system's ability to target and eliminate cancer cells. By combining CV1-producing T cells with cancer-targeting antibodies, researchers improved macrophage consumption of tumor cells, suggesting a potential solution to treatment challenges.

SourceLudwig Institute for Cancer Research·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 3, 2024

Unveiling secrets of aging beta cells and their ability to secrete insulin

Aging human pancreatic beta cells display features of senescence but maintain elevated levels of genes crucial for function and exhibit an ability to release insulin in response to glucose. This sheds light on the potential role of aging beta cells in immune regulation and their relevance to autoimmune reactions in type 1 diabetes.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalNucleic Acids Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 3, 2024

Brain waves shape the words we hear

Researchers found that brain waves bias perception towards more probable sounds or words when stimuli were presented in less 'excitable' brain wave phases. This suggests that both the probability and timing of events influence what people perceive. The study has important implications for theories of predictive coding and language comp...

SourceMax Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 3, 2024

U.S. health departments experience workforce shortages and struggle to reach adequate staffing levels in public health

A new study by Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health reveals that US health departments struggle with workforce shortages and inadequate staffing levels. The main barriers to addressing this issue are insufficient funding, a shortage of people with public health training, and lengthy hiring processes.

Mapping the mind with BARseq

Researchers have used BARseq to map the brains of nine mice, tracing gene expression in the visual cortex. The results show that losing vision leads to changes in gene expression across neighboring cortical areas, highlighting the complex connections between brain regions.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalNature·DateJun 3, 2024

Human activity contributed to woolly rhinoceros’ extinction

Researchers used computer modeling and ancient DNA to discover sustained hunting by humans prevented woolly rhinoceros from accessing favorable habitats. The study reveals how climate change and human activities can lead to megafauna extinctions, with lessons for safeguarding Earth's remaining large animals.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 3, 2024

Shape and depth of ocean floor profoundly influence how carbon is stored there

A new study reveals that the shape and depth of ocean floors significantly influence carbon sequestration, with bathymetry accounting for up to 50% of changes over 80 million years. This understanding can inform marine-based carbon dioxide removal technologies and aid in searching for habitable planets.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 3, 2024

Presence of carpal tunnel syndrome may indicate a high risk of developing cardiac amyloidosis, according to study from All of Us Research Program

Researchers found a significant association between carpal tunnel syndrome and the risk of developing heart failure and amyloidosis. Individuals with carpal tunnel syndrome were at a 13% higher risk of heart failure and a threefold higher risk of amyloidosis compared to those without the condition.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 3, 2024

New 3D-printed microscale photonic lantern open opportunities for spatial mode multiplexing

A recent study by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem developed a Free-Standing Microscale Photonic Lantern Spatial Mode (De-)Multiplexer using 3D Nanoprinting. The device enables spatial mode multiplexing, converting between optical waves and separated single-mode signals, with applications in high-capacity communication and imaging.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalLight Science & Applications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 3, 2024

Mobile app predicts future depression in pregnant people

A mobile app survey during the first trimester predicted future depression with a high level of accuracy, identifying modifiable risk factors such as sleep quality and access to food. The study's findings offer a new approach to predicting perinatal depression and tailoring preventive care for pregnant individuals.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalArchives of Women s Mental Health·TypeSurvey·DateJun 3, 2024

White blood cell “nets” could be early warning sign of major immunotherapy complication

A study from Michigan Medicine reveals a connection between neutrophil activation and severe cytokine release syndrome (CRS), a potentially life-threatening reaction to CAR T-Cell therapy. Researchers identified biomarkers of NETosis, a process in which neutrophils create webs that may contribute to CRS.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalBlood Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 3, 2024

Fewer than 1 in 4 patients receive dietary counseling after a heart attack

A study by the University of Michigan Health Frankel Cardiovascular Center found that only 23% of heart attack patients received dietary counseling within 90 days of hospitalization. Nutrition counseling, often provided by registered dietitian nutritionists, may reduce cardiovascular risk for patients.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics·TypeObservational study·DateJun 3, 2024

New study highlights risks of muscle-building supplement use among adolescents and young adults

A recent study from the University of Toronto analyzed data from 912 participants aged 16-30 and found that nearly 60% used protein bars and over half used whey protein powders. The study highlights alarming symptoms, including fatigue, digestive issues, and cardiovascular problems, with only 9.8% perceiving their use as problematic.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalPerformance Enhancement & Health·DateJun 3, 2024

LJI scientists develop new method to match genes to their molecular 'switches'

Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology developed a computational method to link gene activity to molecular marks on DNA, potentially aiding in the detection of solid tumors and more accurate cancer diagnoses. This new approach utilizes machine learning tools to identify connections between genes and enhancers in the genome.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalGenome Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 3, 2024

Researchers: Excluding partisanship questions from public health surveys ‘limits our capacity for advancing population health and health equity’

A new commentary urges public health researchers to incorporate questions about partisan identity in demographic data collection, arguing that excluding this information could lead to ineffective policy and health promotion interventions. By including partisanship in more public health surveys, researchers can better track its impact o...

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJun 3, 2024

UITM-CaixaResearch presents promising results from the first clinical trial of an innovative next-generation antibody in patients with advanced solid tumors, especially in melanoma

The first phase 1 trial of the bispecific antibody FS222 demonstrates promising antitumour activity, especially in patients with metastatic cutaneous melanoma refractory to immunotherapy. Preliminary results show partial or complete objective response rates in various tumor types.

Chemotherapy type can be personalized to decrease harmful side effects for Black patients with breast cancer

A new study by Indiana University researchers found that Black patients with breast cancer who receive docetaxel instead of paclitaxel have significantly lower rates of taxane-induced peripheral neuropathy (TIPN). This toxicity can lead to debilitating numbness, tingling, and pain in the hands and feet, impacting chemotherapy doses.

SourceIndiana University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateJun 3, 2024

Telehealth can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with cancer care, study finds

A new study by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute researchers found that telehealth can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with cancer care. By analyzing data from a regional cancer center, the team calculated that nationwide, cancer care utilizing telehealth and local care would generate 33.1% less greenhouse gas emiss...

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateJun 3, 2024

AI goes underwater: transforming coral reef conservation with cutting-edge image analysis

Deep learning models improve coral reef imaging analyses, paving the way for more effective conservation strategies. The study reveals that sophisticated machine learning strategies can surmount underwater imaging challenges, empowering specialists to produce high-resolution coral reef maps with greater accuracy and efficiency.

SourceWuhan University·JournalGeo-spatial Information Science·DateJun 3, 2024

Where’s the Flood?: Real-time flood risk visualization via server-based MR enhances accessibility and public safety

Researchers from Osaka University developed a mobile mixed reality (MR) system for intuitive flooding forecasts, allowing urban populations to view dynamic flood forecasts on their mobile devices. The system enables widespread participation in MR visualizations, improving community preparedness and response.

SourceOsaka University·JournalEnvironmental Modelling & Software·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 3, 2024

Manmade pollutants and climate change contribute to millions of deaths from cardiovascular disease each year, warn a coalition of leading scientists

A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology highlights how pollution is a greater health threat than war, terrorism, and other diseases. The researchers emphasize the need for better monitoring of pollutants to identify at-risk communities and understand individual-level risk factors.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateJun 3, 2024

Black drivers in Chicago more likely to be stopped by police than ticketed by a camera

A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that Black drivers in Chicago are disproportionately more likely to be stopped by police (70% vs. under 20%) than being ticketed by speed cameras (54% vs. just under 50%). Researchers call for authorities to investigate racial biases in traffic systems.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 3, 2024

Professor YIN Huiyong’s team has made a significant breakthrough in understanding a mechanism linking hyperuricemia to hypertriglyceridemia

Hyperuricemia has become the fourth most common chronic metabolic condition in China, affecting over 185 million individuals. A recent study by Professor YIN Huiyong's team reveals a mechanism linking fatty acid oxidation to hepatic urate synthesis and hyperuricemia.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalLife Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 3, 2024

YALE NEWS: Mapping the seafloor sediment superhighway

A new scientific model provides a global look at the activities of clams, worms and other invertebrate animals that burrow at the bottom of the ocean. The study found that environmental factors such as seawater depth, nutrient levels and sediment composition shape bioturbation patterns and marine ecosystems worldwide.

SourceYale University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 3, 2024

Wire snare removal in protected areas is labor-intensive but effective – and essential to solving the Southeast Asian snaring crisis

Intensive wire snare removal efforts reduced snaring by almost 40% in protected areas of Viet Nam, according to an 11-year study. The effectiveness of snare removal was mainly achieved within the first 6 years, but its impact alone is unlikely to protect wildlife due to ongoing snaring threats.

SourceLeibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW)·JournalConservation Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 3, 2024

Researchers publish first computational insights into colonic motility to aid understanding of ulcerative colitis

A novel computational model simulating shear stress distribution in the colon with varying mucus thicknesses reveals how mucus acts as a lubricant, significantly increasing faecal velocity and easing waste movement. The study highlights the protective function of mucus shielding delicate cells from mechanical forces.

SourceUniversity of Galway·JournalComputers in Biology and Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 3, 2024

New catalyst brings commercial high-efficiency zinc-air batteries closer to reality

A new metal-nitrogen-carbon catalyst has been developed for use in zinc-air batteries, outperforming noble metal catalysts and improving the efficiency and practicality of ZAB technology. The team's rechargeable battery achieved a specific capacity of 846.8 mAh·g Zn and an impressive power density of 135 mW·cm−2 in liquid electrolyte.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalNano Research Energy·DateJun 3, 2024

Paving the way for hydrogen from algae enzymes

Researchers have gained new insights into how a specific enzyme, HydF, facilitates the production of hydrogen from algae enzymes. The study reveals the importance of amino acids in anchoring and synthesizing a crucial ligand for hydrogen turnover.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 3, 2024

Retrospective study based on electronic health records finds popular diabetes and weight-loss drugs associated with reduction in incidence and recurrence of alcohol-use disorder by at least half

A retrospective study found that patients treated with semaglutide, an active ingredient in Wegovy and Ozempic, had a 50-56% decrease in the initiation and re-occurrence of alcohol-use disorder. The study, published in Nature Communications, provides preliminary evidence for the potential benefit of semaglutide in treating AUD.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 3, 2024

Thawing permafrost: Not a climate tipping element, but nevertheless far-reaching impacts

A study by AWI experts reveals that permafrost soils are thawing in step with global warming, but there is no evidence of a single global tipping point. Instead, numerous local and regional tipping points will be exceeded at different times and warming levels, leading to cumulative effects.

SourceAlfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 3, 2024

New all-optical approach to revolutionize night vision technology

Researchers at TMOS have developed a new infrared filter thinner than cling wrap, which can be integrated into everyday eyewear, allowing users to view both visible and infrared light spectra. This breakthrough miniaturizes night vision technology, opening up new applications in safety, surveillance, and biology.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Transformative Meta-Optical Systems·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 3, 2024

Others’ words, not firsthand experience, shape scientific and religious belief formation, HKUST study finds

A recent HKUST study reveals that people's scientific and religious beliefs are primarily formed through testimony from experts or their community, rather than direct experience. This understanding can help promote greater acceptance of scientific facts, especially in emerging topics like climate change.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalTrends in Cognitive Sciences·TypeCase study·DateJun 3, 2024

Where do Nextdoor communities exist—and what do these communities talk about?

Researchers analyzed 30 Nextdoor neighborhoods and found that information sharing indicates social capital formation, while discussions on suspicious persons may prompt biased behavior by law enforcement. The study contributes to understanding the digital media ecosystem's relationship with local communities and civic life.

SourceNew York University·JournalJournal of Quantitative Description Digital Media·TypeContent analysis·DateJun 3, 2024

Cracking the aging code: Insights into lipid changes

The study reveals age-related changes in lipid metabolism, including increased BMP-type lipids in kidneys and liver, and sex-specific differences in galactosylceramide levels. These findings may lead to better understanding of chronic diseases and the development of targeted treatments.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature Aging·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 3, 2024

University of Nevada, Reno team develops new vegetation mapping tools

The University of Nevada, Reno researchers developed new digital mapping tools that provide managers with better information to make large-scale decisions on mitigating effects of grazing, wildfire and other disruptions. The technology uses robust machine learning analysis of environmental variables to create high-quality vegetation maps.

SourceUniversity of Nevada, Reno·JournalRangeland Ecology & Management·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 3, 2024

Best of both worlds: Innovative positioning system enhances versatility and accuracy of drone-viewpoint mixed reality applications

Researchers at Osaka University developed an innovative positioning system for drone-based mixed reality applications, enabling accurate alignment between real and virtual worlds. This development will lead to versatile drone-based MR applications in architecture, engineering, and construction.

SourceOsaka University·JournalDrone Systems and Applications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 3, 2024

Many more women in oil-rich Gulf countries battle with breast cancer as the disease develops localized pathological features, study says

A study published in Frontiers in Oncology reveals breast cancer incidence has surged in oil-rich Gulf countries, with unique clinical and pathological features. The disease is attributed to a combination of menstrual cycle, hereditary factors, weaning children earlier than expected, hormonal treatment, obesity, and use of contraceptives.

SourceUniversity of Sharjah·JournalFrontiers·TypeObservational study·DateJun 3, 2024

The coldest lab in New York has a new quantum offering

Researchers at Columbia University have successfully created a unique quantum state of matter called a Bose-Einstein Condensate (BEC) out of molecules. The breakthrough, achieved by cooling sodium-cesium molecules to just five nanoKelvin, has the potential to advance powerful quantum simulations and unlock new areas of research.

SourceColumbia University·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 3, 2024

Screening for prostate cancer with first-line MRI less cost-effective than first-line PSA testing

A cost-effectiveness analysis found that first-line MRI-based screening for prostate cancer is less effective and more costly than first-line PSA testing. Despite free MRI costs, the first-line approach resulted in increased false positives and overdiagnosis without substantial reductions in mortality.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateJun 3, 2024

Transition-metal-free zeolite catalyst for direct conversion of methane to methanol

Researchers have discovered a novel transition-metal-free aluminosilicate ferrierite zeolite catalyst that enables direct conversion of methane to methanol. The new process achieves 305 π mol gˑ minǘ methanol production rate with high selectivity, presenting an environmentally friendly solution for converting greenhouse gases into valu...

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJun 3, 2024

The unexpected connection between brewing coffee and understanding turbulence

A team of researchers led by Nigel Goldenfeld and Björn Hof used statistical mechanics to study turbulence in fluid flows. They discovered that the transitions between laminar and turbulent flows occur through a non-equilibrium phase transition, known as directed percolation, at the critical point of the transition.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Physics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 3, 2024

Designing the demise of Aral Sea: strategies to sustain aesthetics and performance in anthropogenic landscapes

The Aral Sea, once the fourth-largest lake in the world, has shrunk to 10% of its original volume due to water diversion for cotton plantations. The article proposes a new design approach that acknowledges human devastation while slowing the sea's disappearance through ecological markers and materials.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalLandscape Architecture Frontiers·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 3, 2024