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Science News for March 21, 2024


Postconcussive symptoms after early childhood concussion

A study of 303 early childhood children found concussion associated with more postconcussive symptoms than typical development up to three months after injury. The study used developmentally appropriate manifestations and behaviors to track postconcussive symptoms and aid in concussion diagnosis in young children.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMar 21, 2024

The next antioxidant superfood? Canadian sea buckthorn berries offer diabetes and obesity potential

Researchers have identified the unique nutritional profile of Canadian sea buckthorn berries, which are rich in polyphenols with potential health benefits for cardiovascular protection and anti-inflammatory properties. The study found that geographical factors influence the polyphenolic profile of the berries, making them a promising s...

SourceSociety of Chemical Industry·JournalJournal of the Science of Food and Agriculture·DateMar 21, 2024

Satellite data assimilation improves forecasts of severe weather

A Penn State technique combining satellite data with existing computer weather forecast models produces more accurate forecasts of surface gusts in severe thunderstorms. This method can be especially useful in areas lacking ground-based weather monitoring infrastructure, such as radar systems.

SourcePenn State·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 21, 2024

A path forward from the “equity versus excellence” conflict that has impeded mathematics education in U.S.

A new approach to K-12 mathematics education in the U.S. proposes a modular curriculum that preserves mathematical pathways and possibilities for all students, regardless of STEM orientation. This approach aims to resolve the 'equity versus excellence' conflict and provide richer learning opportunities for children.

Riddle of the sphinx

Researchers used the sphinx tile to explore geometry and chirality in life, finding unexpected properties related to its chirality. The study reveals superexponential increases in possible layouts as the number of sphinxes grows, with some tilings having nearly 72,000 possibilities.

SourceChan Zuckerberg Biohub·JournalPhysical Review Research·DateMar 21, 2024

The dermatology initiative that could reduce NHS wait lists

A new service evaluation from the University of East Anglia found that giving GPs cameras to photograph skin complaints could reduce NHS wait lists. The innovative service involving over 3,000 patients led to faster resolution for patients and prevented many people from having to wait to see a hospital consultant.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalAnnales de Dermatologie et de Vénéréologie·TypeObservational study·DateMar 21, 2024

Self-healable wires go dynamically stable

Researchers developed dynamically stable self-healable wires by improving tensile strength and electrical stability through supramolecular chemistry. The wires showed negligible resistance fluctuation under various dynamic conditions, enabling reliable operation of interconnected wearable devices.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateMar 21, 2024

Healing eyes with contact lenses

Researchers at the University of Waterloo have developed a patented contact lens material that acts as a bandage for corneal wounds, releasing drugs in a controlled manner to enhance healing. The material, which uses collagen-based technology, achieves complete wound healing within five days in human cell culture studies.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalPharmaceutics·DateMar 21, 2024

Opto-RANK: A light switch for osteoclasts

Scientists from Tokyo Medical and Dental University have created Opto-RANK, a light-activated form of RANK that can induce osteoclast differentiation. The treatment approach uses blue light activation to stimulate local bone resorption, making it a promising tool for treating abnormal calcification diseases and orthodontic issues.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 21, 2024

Maize genes control little helpers in the soil

Researchers discovered that maize genetic makeup affects which microorganisms cluster around roots, boosting root growth. The study found that specific bacteria, like Massilia, promote lateral root growth when nitrogen is scarce, suggesting a potential breeding strategy for drought-tolerant maize varieties.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature Plants·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 21, 2024

Replacing sugar with sweeteners can improve weight loss control over the long-term in adults in the overweight range, finds European randomised controlled trial

A European randomized controlled trial found that replacing sugar with sweeteners improved weight loss control for at least one year after rapid weight loss in adults. The study also showed greater diet satisfaction and lower cravings for sweet foods among participants who consumed low/no-energy sweetened products.

Natural molecule found in coffee and human body increases NAD+ levels, improves muscle function during ageing

A recent discovery reveals that the natural molecule trigonelline can increase NAD+ levels and improve muscle function during ageing. Lower levels of trigonelline were found in older people with sarcopenia, a condition where muscles weaken and mass is lost.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalNature Metabolism·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 21, 2024

UMass Amherst engineers create bioelectronic mesh capable of growing with cardiac tissues for comprehensive heart monitoring

A team of UMass Amherst engineers has developed a tissue-like bioelectronic mesh system that can simultaneously measure the electrical signal and physical movement of cells in lab-grown human cardiac tissue. This breakthrough device allows researchers to observe how the heart's mechanical and electrical functions change during developm...

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 21, 2024

HKU biologists discover propionate supplementation as a potential treatment for Parkinson's disease

Research finds that supplementing propionate suppresses neurodegeneration in animal models of Parkinson's disease by regulating interorgan signalling. Increasing propionate levels rescues transcriptional aberration and enhances energy production, promoting neuronal health without protein aggregate dispersal.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 21, 2024

A new path to drug diversity

A team of scientists discovered new fusion sites in protein evolution that enable faster and more targeted drug development. By combining evolutionary processes with synthetic biology, they created customized biological drugs with improved therapeutic properties.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateMar 21, 2024

Spin-locked effect in non-Euclidean space

This study proposes a non-Euclidean configuration based on Möbius rings to control topological photonic states via the spin-locked effect. The work enables polarization control and tuning of topological phase in non-Euclidean space.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Optoelectronics·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 21, 2024

NTU Singapore scientists invent a coin-sized device to rapidly isolate blood plasma for diagnostics and precision medicine

Researchers at NTU Singapore have created a chip that can directly isolate blood plasma from a tube of blood in just 30 minutes, removing over 99.9% of blood cells and platelets. The device, called ExoArc, enables high-quality plasma for disease screening and research, improving diagnosis accuracy and reducing waiting times.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalACS Nano·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 21, 2024

Connecting computers so they can think faster

Researchers at NTNU's Department of Chemistry have developed a method to increase the calculation speed of chemical reactions by 30-40 times. By connecting 20 computers and optimizing data exchange, they achieved this significant improvement, enabling previously impractical calculations to be performed.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 21, 2024

Heat to blame for space pebble demise

A team of researchers from the SETI Institute found that heat is responsible for destroying space pebbles, not high-speed collisions. The study used data from NASA's CAMS camera network to determine the age and trajectory of meteor showers, revealing that thermal stresses cause the particles to break apart as they approach the Sun.

SourceSETI Institute·JournalIcarus·DateMar 21, 2024

Fast folding for synthetic peptides and microproteins

Researchers at Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University developed a new method that enables the efficient production of cysteine-rich peptides and microproteins in their naturally folded 3D structure. The approach uses organic solvents to mimic nature's oxidative folding process, resulting in speeds of over 100,000 times faster than aqueous...

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 21, 2024

Secrets of the Van Allen belt revealed in new study

A new study has challenged existing theories on the behavior of particles in the Van Allen belt, a hazardous region near Earth. The research has implications for predicting and analyzing particle movement, which is crucial for understanding space environments.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalFrontiers in Astronomy and Space Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 21, 2024

Can modified RNA heal neurodegeneration?

Researchers at University of Pittsburgh are developing a platform to genetically modify glia cells using bioengineering modified RNAs. The goal is to increase or decrease disease-relevant genes in astrocytes or microglia to potentially treat Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders.

HKU remote sensing and landscape scholars reveal global wildfire risk trends in Wildland-Urban Interface areas (1985-2020)

Researchers mapped global Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) areas, finding a significant surge in WUIs over 35 years, with 6.62 million square kilometers at risk of wildfires. The study provides essential insights for effective fire management and resilient community development.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeObservational study·DateMar 21, 2024

The protein that protects insulin-producing cells

A study by Lund University researchers has identified the protein C3 as a protector of insulin-producing cells, providing hope for new treatments. The protein was found to shield cells from damage and death when present inside the cells, offering a potential target for therapies aimed at treating type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

SourceLund University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 21, 2024

Artificial intelligence to reconstruct particle paths leading to new physics

Researchers from the Institute of Nuclear Physics propose using AI to reconstruct particle tracks, which will be crucial for experiments finding new physics. The proposed method uses a deep neural network trained on simulated data and achieves accurate results comparable to classical algorithms.

Testing method could point thousands more cancer patients to lifesaving treatment

Researchers found that next-generation sequencing (NGS) identified more patients with microsatellite instability than immunohistochemistry (IHC), potentially leading to thousands of missed diagnoses and patients receiving incorrect treatment. NGS could guide the standard of care towards using this test method instead of IHC.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalCancer Cell·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 21, 2024

How comparison options affect stock buys

The study found that people prefer investments with frequent returns, rather than low-probability high returns, due to the 'frequent winner effect'. This phenomenon affects decision-making in the face of uncertainty and is influenced by how people find information about stocks.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 21, 2024

An immunotherapy to overcome resistant leukemia

Researchers have discovered a new immunotherapy approach to overcome resistant leukemia by targeting the mutated TP53 gene. Combining pharmacological therapies with genetically engineered CAR T-cells increases effectiveness against cancer cells, offering promising strategies for patients with resistant disease.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 21, 2024

DNA attached to nanoparticles contributes to lupus symptoms

A new study by Duke University researchers provides fundamental insights into autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus. They developed a system to test how DNA attached to nanoparticles interact with the immune system, revealing that larger nanoparticles provide more protection for DNA.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 21, 2024

‘Courtship’ gene shows different effects in two fruit fly species

A new study found that a 'courtship' gene has different effects in two fruit fly species. In one species, giving females the gene resulted in them adopting male behaviors, while in another, it enabled them to produce both male and female songs. The findings suggest that genes can have varying functions across different species.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 21, 2024

Bar-Ilan University researchers develop cost-effective method to detect low concentrations of pharmaceutical waste and contaminants in water

Researchers at Bar-Ilan University have developed a highly sensitive plasmonic-based detector for detecting piperidine residue in water, posing a significant health risk. The device uses nanometer-sized holes on a metal surface to amplify light, enabling the detection of low concentrations.

SourceBar-Ilan University·JournalEnvironmental Science Nano·DateMar 21, 2024

James Webb Space Telescope captures the end of planet formation

A new study using the James Webb Space Telescope has captured the first-ever image of a planet-forming disk's gas dispersal, providing insights into how planets form in our solar system. The observations reveal that the inner disk of T Cha is evolving on very short timescales, differing from earlier spectra detected by Spitzer.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalThe Astronomical Journal·TypeObservational study·DateMar 21, 2024

Prototypes of a novel vaginal ring design being put to the test in a study that will inform final design of a dual-purpose ring for prevention of both HIV and unplanned pregnancy

Researchers are evaluating two prototype placebo rings in a study to determine their safety and usability for women. The goal is to inform the final design of a dual-purpose ring that can prevent both HIV and unplanned pregnancy for a month at a time.

If you can't beat them, mock them

A team of researchers from Kyoto University has developed a microfluidic co-culture vasculature chip that mimics the microenvironment of alveolar soft part sarcoma (ASPS), a rare cancer. The chip enables scientists to study cell-to-cell interactions and angiogenic mechanisms, which may lead to new strategies for treating ASPS patients.

SourceKyoto University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 21, 2024

Inflammation-reducing drug shows no benefit for dry age-related macular degeneration in NIH trial

A phase II clinical study found that minocycline did not slow the expansion of geographic atrophy regions or vision loss in people with dry age-related macular degeneration. Previous studies have shown that minocycline can reduce inflammation and microglial activity in the eye, but it has not previously been tested for this condition.

SourceNIH/National Eye Institute·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 21, 2024

Breast cancer patients can safely avoid extensive removal of lymph nodes if they respond well to primary systemic treatment

A new study suggests that tailored treatment can predict the response of breast cancer patients to chemotherapy, allowing for safe omission of extensive lymph node removal. The MARI protocol showed a 95% overall survival rate and 89% disease-free survival rate in patients who achieved pathological complete response.

A swarm to save the day

Researchers propose using coordinated multi-swarm drones to quell forest fires, leveraging AI-enabled fire detection and autonomous decision-making. The approach could lead to more efficient fire suppression and reduced response times.

SourceIndian Institute of Science (IISc)·JournalIEEE Transactions on Systems Man and Cybernetics Systems·DateMar 21, 2024

Two keys needed to crack three locks for better engineered blood vessels

Researchers have found two proteins, SOX17 and FGF2, that can efficiently mature stem cells into endothelial cells, forming tubular-like vessels. This breakthrough could enable the growth of lab-grown vascular tissue to support heart transplants and develop artificial blood brain barriers for neurological drug testing.

SourcePenn State·JournalStem Cell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 21, 2024

Progress in the diagnosis of systemic diseases based on ophthalmic imaging artificial intelligence technology

Researchers explore ophthalmic image-based AI for diagnosing systemic diseases, leveraging the eye's unique characteristics to assess overall health. The article discusses two primary modes of ocular image analysis and highlights the potential of emerging AI technologies like blockchain and large language models.

SourceSichuan International Medical Exchange and Promotion Association·JournalMedComm – Future Medicine·TypeSystematic review·DateMar 21, 2024

How to make the right impression online

A literature review of 124 studies on virtual impressions offers research-based suggestions on how to make a digital best foot forward. Researchers found that timely responses matter and using emoticons and emojis can increase feelings of warmth and likeability but risk making others seem less intelligent.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalJournal of Management·TypeLiterature review·DateMar 21, 2024

International graduate and postdoctoral trainees in biomedicine are struggling with career confidence, study says

A new study found that international and female trainees reported lower career-self-efficacy across the national sample. The study highlights how immigration status intersects with individuals' perceptions of their own capabilities, influencing their career trajectories and opportunities for advancement.

New vaccine against a highly fatal tropical disease – and potential bioterror weapon – demonstrates efficacy in animal studies

A new vaccine developed by UCLA researchers demonstrates high protection against melioidosis, a tropical disease that causes 89,000 fatalities annually. The vaccine was tested in mice and found effective even against a highly lethal strain of the bacteria.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalmBio·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 21, 2024

Longer genes are linked to aging

Four studies conclude that longer genes are most susceptible to aging due to increased potential sites for DNA damage. Long genes have more sites for damage, making them prone to degradation with age, contributing to conditions like Alzheimer's disease.

SourceNorthwestern University·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 21, 2024

Best way to bust deepfakes? Use AI to find real signs of life, say Klick Labs scientists

Researchers at Klick Labs developed an algorithm to detect deepfakes with 80% accuracy by analyzing speech pause patterns, offering a solution to the growing problem of AI-generated content. The study's findings suggest that vocal biomarkers can distinguish between real and fake voices, providing a novel approach to flagging deepfakes.

SourceKlick Applied Sciences·JournalJMIR Biomedical Engineering·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 21, 2024

New method for analyzing nanoporous materials

Researchers at TU Graz developed a new method to analyze nanoporous materials using single electron microscope images. The technique determines the three-dimensional distribution of ions in crystal channels or nanopores, leading to a better understanding of aquamarine's blue color and potential applications in material science.

SourceGraz University of Technology·JournalCommunications Materials·TypeImaging analysis·DateMar 21, 2024

Estimating coastal water depth from space via satellite-derived bathymetry

Researchers developed a novel machine learning-based depth estimation technique for satellite-derived bathymetry, improving accuracy in coastal regions with unique characteristics. The model demonstrated generalizability and potential for enhancements through incorporation of additional seabed spatial data.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Applied Remote Sensing·TypeObservational study·DateMar 21, 2024

Limitations and strategies towards high-performance red phosphorus materials for Li/Na-Ion batteries

The development of cost-effective and high-performance RP anode materials is crucial for LIBs/SIBs. Poor electrical conductivity and significant volume changes in RP compromise its cycling stability, leading to substantial electrode polarization and reaction kinetics issues.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalEnergy Material Advances·TypeSystematic review·DateMar 21, 2024

Revolutionizing plant health diagnostics: The dawn of microfluidic devices for rapid miRNA detection

A novel microfluidic device system has been developed for rapid miRNA detection, enabling early diagnosis of plant stress. The device detected artificially synthesized miR399c and endogenous miRNAs in tomatoes under phosphorus-deficient conditions, demonstrating its potential for point-of-care diagnostics.

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalPlant Phenomics·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 21, 2024

Astronomers find evidence that blue supergiant stars can be formed by the merger of two stars

A team of astrophysicists simulated models of stellar mergers and analyzed 59 early B-type blue supergiants in the Large Magellanic Cloud. The study found that mergers can reproduce the surface composition of a large fraction of the sample, suggesting they may be the dominant channel to produce blue supergiants.

SourceInstituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC)·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateMar 21, 2024

Pixelated non-volatile programmable photonic integrated circuits

The researchers achieved 20-level intermediate states of phase change materials using a micron-scale laser writing system. This allows for the demonstration of ultra-high flexibility in phase modulation and potential applications in neuromorphic photonics, optical computing, and reconfigurable metasurfaces.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateMar 21, 2024

International research team achieves first-reported, complete vascularization of organoids on microfluidic chip

An international research team achieved complete vascularization of organoids on a microfluidic chip, improving growth and physiological functions. The breakthrough enables production scaling and paves the way for personalized medicine, regenerative medicine, and pharmacological research.

SourceCEA - French Atomic Energy and Alternative Energies Commission·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 21, 2024

Climate change disrupts vital ecosystems in the Alps

Scientists have found that climate change is altering the timing of plant and soil processes in the Alps, leading to disruptions in nutrient cycling and potentially threatening biodiversity. The high mountains are warming at a faster rate than surrounding areas, resulting in reduced snow cover and changes in vegetation patterns.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateMar 21, 2024

Illinois study: Systematic review of agricultural injuries can help inform safety measures

Agricultural occupations have one of the highest rates of workplace injuries and fatalities in the U.S. Two studies from the University of Illinois found that vehicles and machinery are the leading causes of injuries, with men being twice as likely to be victims. Understanding the nature and source of injuries is crucial for developing...

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Agromedicine·TypeLiterature review·DateMar 21, 2024

Researchers identify novel genetic variants associated with Alzheimer’s disease

A new study has identified 17 significant genetic variants linked to Alzheimer's disease in five genomic regions. The findings highlight the value of whole genome sequencing data in gaining long-sought insight into the ultimate causes and risk factors for Alzheimer's, which is the fifth leading cause of death among people 65 and older.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 21, 2024