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Science News for March 27, 2024


Land under water – what causes extreme flooding

Researchers analyzed over 3,500 river basins worldwide, finding that precipitation was the sole determining factor in only 25% of flood events. Soil moisture and air temperature were decisive factors in around 10% and 3% of cases, respectively. The study suggests that more extreme floods are caused by multiple factors interacting.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 27, 2024

A genetic difference in THC metabolism may explain why some young adults have negative experiences with cannabis

Researchers found that genetic variations in THC-metabolizing enzymes can influence how young adults experience cannabis, with slower metabolizers at higher risk for cannabis use disorder. The study suggests educating teens about the differences in cannabis effects could improve their understanding of risk factors.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalAddictive Behaviors·TypeObservational study·DateMar 27, 2024

Super permeable wearable electronics developed for stable, long-term biosignal monitoring by scientists at City University of Hong Kong

Researchers create universal method for creating wearable electronics with increased sweat permeability, enabling reliable long-term monitoring of biosignals. The device allows for continuous and stable monitoring of vital signs without signal disruption from perspiration.

Curtin research unlocks supernova stardust secrets

Researchers have discovered a rare dust particle trapped in an ancient meteorite that formed from a star other than the sun. The particle contains exceptionally high levels of magnesium isotopes, which can only be explained by formation in a hydrogen-burning supernova.

SourceCurtin University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeImaging analysis·DateMar 27, 2024

Lighting up the future

Researchers at the Organic Semiconductor Centre have proposed a new approach to designing efficient light-emitting materials. The guidelines developed by the team will help OLED researchers develop materials that maintain high efficiency at high brightness, enabling brighter, more colourful displays and lighting.

SourceUniversity of St. Andrews·JournalNature·DateMar 27, 2024

Despite dwindling resources, many older adult Israelis exhibited impressive resilience during the initial period of the Israel-Hamas war, Bar-Ilan University study finds

A Bar-Ilan University study found that older adult Israelis showed remarkable resilience during the conflict, with lower rates of acute stress and PTSD symptoms compared to younger adults. The study suggests that life experience, emotional regulation capabilities, and coping mechanisms played a significant role in this resilience.

SourceBar-Ilan University·JournalJournal of Psychiatric Research·DateMar 27, 2024

Around 1 in 3 people with insecure migration status report experiencing interpersonal, community and state physical violence, with almost as many experiencing intimate partner violence, per global meta-analysis

A global meta-analysis reveals nearly a third of people with insecure migration status experience interpersonal, community, and state physical violence. Almost as many report intimate partner violence, highlighting the need for targeted support and protection measures.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 27, 2024

People with depression see no immediate change from common GP assessment, study shows

A new study by the University of Southampton found that a commonly used questionnaire for monitoring depression treatment in primary care does not provide immediate benefits. However, patients who tracked their scores reported improved overall wellbeing and quality of life after six months.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalBritish Journal of General Practice·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 27, 2024

Paving new paths for sustainable construction

The Indian Institute of Science has developed new concrete materials using excavated soil, reducing the need for natural sand and minimizing carbon dioxide emissions. The innovative materials show improved compressive strength and reduced waste, offering a scalable solution to the construction sector's environmental challenges.

SourceIndian Institute of Science (IISc)·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 27, 2024

A new surgical technique enables smiling in patients with facial paralysis

A new study presents a novel surgical technique for treating Moebius syndrome, a rare condition that prevents smiling and affects social engagement. The technique involves utilizing the ipsilateral facial nerve to power gracilis free functional muscle transfer in select patients with residual facial nerve activity.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalFacial Plastic Surgery & Aesthetic Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 27, 2024

Small Aussie mammal's bite 'packs a punch'

Researchers found that dwarf rock-wallabies have adaptations to harder biting, including shorter snouts and teeth positioned at the back of the jaw. They also discovered that some tiny species of rock-wallaby have the largest molars, which enable them to eat similar foods as relatives that are eight times larger.

SourceFlinders University·JournalBiology Letters·TypeObservational study·DateMar 27, 2024

Filters, coupled with Digital Health Program, reduced arsenic levels by nearly half in study participants in households relying on well water in American Indian Communities

A randomized controlled trial found that filters, coupled with a digital health program, reduced urinary arsenic levels by 47% in households relying on well water. The study, conducted in American Indian communities, also showed significant increases in household use of filtered water for drinking and cooking.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateMar 27, 2024

A combination of approved drugs enhances the delivery of anti-bacterial medications to treat tuberculosis

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital successfully repurposed approved drugs to improve drug delivery to tuberculosis bacteria, promoting anti-bacterial host responses and improving health outcomes. The study found that combining bevacizumab and losartan enhanced TB drug delivery and reduced bacterial burden in rabbits with TB.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 27, 2024

Oregon State dog-training program helps increase physical activity among kids with disabilities

Children with developmental disabilities increased their moderate to vigorous physical activity by 17 minutes per day, while reducing sedentary time by nearly an hour per day through the 'Do As I Do' training intervention. The program also helped build responsibility, independence, and awareness of nonverbal cues.

SourceOregon State University·JournalHuman-Animal Interactions·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 27, 2024

Scientists discover how caterpillars can stop their bleeding in seconds

Caterpillars of the Carolina sphinx moth have an extraordinary ability to instantly change their hemolymph's material properties, turning it into a viscoelastic fluid that helps stop bleeding. This discovery has potential applications for developing new drugs for humans to create fast-working thickeners of human blood.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Soft Matter·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 27, 2024

Undocumented immigrants faced unique mental health challenges during COVID-19 pandemic

A recent study by Rice University researchers found that undocumented immigrants and their families experienced significant mental health challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. The four main stressors identified were anti-immigrant rhetoric, family stressors, economic changes, and limited access to healthcare, which had major negativ...

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology·TypeSurvey·DateMar 27, 2024

Milk on ice: Antarctic time capsule of whole milk powder sheds light on the enduring qualities—and evolution—of dairy products past and present

A new study compares ancient and modern whole milk powders, revealing surprisingly similar compositions despite advancements in dairy production. The analysis of a 100-year-old Antarctic sample shows that key nutrients and protein structures remain largely unchanged.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Dairy Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 27, 2024

Europe’s forgotten forests could be 21st century ‘biodiversity hot spots’

A new study finds that Europe's forgotten forests have the potential to support high species diversity and resilience to climate change. The Eurasian aspen, a keystone species, is well-suited to thrive in these environments due to its ability to regenerate quickly and colonize new areas.

SourceS.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources, Utah State University·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 27, 2024

Connecting the dots to shape growth forces

Researchers at Kyoto University have discovered a signal protein called ERK that plays an active role in causing growing lung tissue to curve. This finding reveals a previously unknown regulatory system governing the development of intricate branching patterns in mouse lungs.

SourceKyoto University·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 27, 2024

The hidden geometry of learning: neural networks think alike

Researchers found that neural networks use a similar path to chart their way from ignorance to truth when presented with images, despite varying network designs and training recipes. This commonality holds the potential for developing more efficient image classification algorithms, reducing the computational power required by AI systems.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 27, 2024

Avoiding the gifts-in-kind trap – new research shows how influencers can make their work pay

A new study from the University of Bath reveals that social media influencers can move away from producing free content by focusing on authenticity, relationality, and quantification. The research found that building meaningful connections with followers and using data to assess impact are crucial for commercial success.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalHuman Relations·TypeCase study·DateMar 27, 2024

Understanding cattle grazing personalities may foster sustainable rangelands

Researchers tracked 50 pregnant Angus and Hereford beef cows fitted with GPS collars to understand individual grazing patterns. They found consistent and distinct patterns across the two years, even when water sources changed, suggesting that recognizing personality types can benefit both animal health and environmental conditions.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalApplied Animal Behaviour Science·TypeObservational study·DateMar 27, 2024

Parental avoidance of toxic exposures could help prevent autism, ADHD in children, new study shows

Researchers found that parents with high chemical intolerance scores were 5.7 times more likely to report a child with autism, highlighting the potential preventive role of avoiding toxic exposures. The study also suggests that reducing exposure prior to and during pregnancy could help prevention.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalJournal of Xenobiotics·TypeObservational study·DateMar 27, 2024

Australian researchers help spearhead changes to global anemia guidelines

Australian researchers have helped develop new global anaemia guidelines that could change the diagnosis and treatment of the condition for millions of people. The revised guidelines provide a clear set of haemoglobin thresholds that can be uniformly used to diagnose and treat anaemia, reducing unnecessary costs and pain.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalThe Lancet Haematology·TypeObservational study·DateMar 27, 2024

People experiencing homelessness more likely to develop dementia at younger ages, study finds

A new study found that people experiencing homelessness have a higher prevalence of dementia, especially in younger age groups. The researchers suggest that unhoused individuals should be screened for dementia at younger ages due to the complexity of diagnosing the condition in this population.

SourceInstitute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences·JournalThe Lancet Public Health·TypeObservational study·DateMar 27, 2024

Evolution of the most powerful ocean current on Earth

The Antarctic Circumpolar Current's flow speed has fluctuated significantly over the past 5.3 million years, with slower speeds during glacial periods and faster speeds during interglacials. This study provides valuable insights into the current's response to climate fluctuations and its impact on Antarctica's ice sheets.

The serious side of kid and canine play

A new study aims to understand how family dogs influence children's physical activity levels, with researchers exploring ways to promote healthy habits in young people. The study found that about 20% of daily physical activity comes from time spent with the dog.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalJournal for the Measurement of Physical Behaviour·TypeObservational study·DateMar 27, 2024

Accelerating CAR T cell therapy: Lipid nanoparticles speed up manufacturing

Researchers developed a method using lipid nanoparticles to activate T cells and deliver genetic instructions in one step, simplifying the CAR T cell manufacturing process. This new approach reduces production time from 48 hours to 24 hours and increases accessibility to patients worldwide.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 27, 2024

Long-period oscillations control the Sun’s differential rotation

Researchers have discovered that high-latitude long-period oscillations play a crucial role in limiting the Sun's pole-to-equator differential rotation. The temperature difference between the poles and equator is found to be less than seven degrees, controlling the angular momentum balance in the Sun.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Solar System Research·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 27, 2024

Scientists extract genetic secrets from 4,000-year-old teeth to illuminate the impact of changing human diets over the centuries

Researchers have recovered ancient microbiomes from 4,000-year-old teeth in Ireland, revealing major changes in oral microenvironments. The study identified bacteria linked to gum disease and provided the first high-quality ancient genome of Streptococcus mutans, a major culprit behind tooth decay.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalMolecular Biology and Evolution·DateMar 27, 2024

Want to feel young? Protect your sleep

Researchers at Stockholm University discovered that sleep affects how old one feels, with insufficient sleep adding 0.23 years to age perception. A study found that restricting sleep for two nights increased participants' perceived age by an average of 4.4 years, highlighting the importance of safeguarding sleep for a youthful feeling.

SourceStockholm University·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 27, 2024

New image of the center of our Milky Way: Spiral magnetic fields surround black hole Sagittarius A*

Researchers analyze data from another series of observations to study Sgr A*, finding that strong and ordered magnetic fields are critical to how black holes interact with gas and matter around them. The discovery enhances theoretical models and simulations, refining our understanding of black hole dynamics near the event horizon.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 27, 2024

High fat/low protein diets in rats during pregnancy and postnatally may cause altered glucose control and other "maladaptive" metabolic changes in their offspring

A study published in PLOS ONE found that high fat/low protein diets in rats during pregnancy and postnatally can cause altered glucose control and other maladaptive metabolic changes in their offspring. The researchers also discovered disruptions in circadian rhythm programming of energy metabolites through adulthood.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 27, 2024

Advancing towards sustainability: turning carbon dioxide and water into acetylene

Researchers at Doshisha University have developed a new method to electrochemically synthesize acetylene from carbon dioxide and water, using high-temperature molten salts and metal carbides. This approach offers advantages over conventional synthesis pathways, including the direct use of CO2 as feedstock and reusable electrodes.

SourceDoshisha University·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 27, 2024

Miscarriages linked to health risks in later pregnancies

Researchers found a link between miscarriage and increased risks of developing gestational diabetes (44% higher) and pre-eclampsia (37% higher), but not with abortion. The study analyzed over 4 million pregnancies and suggests new ways to mitigate risks or prevent these conditions from progressing.

SourceCurtin University·JournalEClinicalMedicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 27, 2024

Exploring variational auto-encoder architectures, configurations, and datasets for generative music explainable AI

Researchers investigate how different VAE model architectures, latent space configurations, and training datasets impact the performance of generative music models with explainable features. They find that measureVAE has higher reconstruction accuracy but lower musical attribute independence.

SourceBeijing Zhongke Journal Publising Co. Ltd.·JournalMachine Intelligence Research·DateMar 27, 2024

Exploring the impact of pancreatic enzyme therapy in pediatric pancreatitis: a leap toward personalized medicine

A retrospective cohort study found that PERT significantly reduced the incidence of acute pancreatitis episodes among children with recurrent or chronic pancreatitis. The study also identified genetic markers, such as SPINK1 mutation, that influence treatment outcomes and suggest a tailored approach to patient care.

SourceOchsner Health System·JournalThe American Journal of Gastroenterology·DateMar 27, 2024

Sex-specific blood biomarkers linked to memory changes in middle-aged adults: the Framingham heart study

Researchers have identified two sex-specific blood biomarkers linked to faster memory decline in middle age, specifically higher HbA1c and plasma insulin levels in women. The findings provide valuable insights into the etiology of dementia and may aid in the development of prevention and treatment strategies.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 27, 2024

Community mental health nurses in GP surgeries help patients wellbeing

A new study by Staffordshire University found that community mental health nurses integrated into primary care teams significantly improved patient outcomes. The research showed that shared IT systems and training sessions for mental health professionals contributed to the effectiveness of this model.

SourceStaffordshire University·JournalInternational Journal of Nursing Studies Advances·TypeObservational study·DateMar 27, 2024

What progress has China made in agriculture green development over the past five years?

Over the past five years, China's Agriculture Green Development (AGD) program has made significant progress in developing innovative crop production methods and technologies. The program aims to promote sustainable agriculture by reducing agrochemical inputs and environmental impacts.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Agricultural Science and Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 27, 2024

Combining epigenetic cancer medications may have benefit for colorectal cancers and other tumor types

Researchers have found that combining DNMT and EZH2 inhibitors activates viral mimicry in cancer cells, making them more susceptible to attack by the immune system. The combination therapy has shown potential in treating colorectal cancers and other solid tumors, with an upcoming Phase I clinical trial planned.

SourceVan Andel Research Institute·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 27, 2024

Synthesis and computational study of an unprecedented low-valence iron cluster with icosahedral [Fe@Fe12]16+ core and multicenter iron-iron bonding

Researchers have synthesized a previously unknown iron cluster with an icosahedral [Fe@Fe12]16+ core and multicenter iron-iron bonding. The cluster's low oxidation states and unique bonding modes offer insights into the evolution of physical/chemical properties in transition metal clusters.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateMar 27, 2024

Couples with similar drinking habits may live longer

A University of Michigan researcher found that couples who drink together tend to live longer and have better marital outcomes. The study, published in The Gerontologist, examined drinking patterns in couples and found that those with concordant drinking behavior lived longer than those with discordant patterns.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalThe Gerontologist·DateMar 27, 2024

New topological metamaterial amplifies sound waves exponentially

Researchers at AMOLF have created a new type of metamaterial that amplifies sound waves exponentially through an unprecedented mechanism. The 'bosonic Kitaev chain' exhibits unique properties linked to its topological nature, with potential applications in sensor technology and quantum computing.

SourceAMOLF·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 27, 2024

Fusion of a rice endogenous N-methylpurine DNA glycosylase to a plant adenine base transition editor ABE8e enables A-to-K base editing in rice plants

Researchers developed four plant-based A-to-K base editors, rAKBEs, that enable simultaneous adenine transition and transversion base editing in rice. The rAKBEs, including rAKBE03 and rAKBE04, showed improved efficiency and capacity for different editing products.

Understanding why people sell their kidneys

A systematic review of 35 years of medical literature finds that poverty is the primary reason people sell their kidneys, while lack of information, debt, and altruism also contribute. Regional variation exists, with poverty being the main driver in the Indian Subcontinent and brokers playing a significant role in other countries.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Global Public Health·TypeSystematic review·DateMar 27, 2024

Improving the safety of HED LIBs by co-coating separators with ceramics and solid-state electrolytes

Researchers propose a novel separator design co-coated with boehmite ceramics and LATP solid-state electrolytes to improve the safety of HED LIBs. The study demonstrates that this design can prevent thermal deformation and mitigate detrimental effects on electrochemical performance, resulting in improved battery performance and reliabi...

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalEnergy Material Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 27, 2024

Revealing characteristics of circulating cell-free RNA in the blood of liver cancer patients through MOF-based circulating nucleic acid extraction method

Researchers developed a technique to enrich circulating cell-free RNA in blood using MOF materials, achieving higher efficiency than commercial kits and preventing RNA degradation. The method identified potential serum biomarkers for non-invasive liver cancer diagnosis with high diagnostic accuracy.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateMar 27, 2024

Global study of 34 countries: ocean protection delivers massive overlooked economic benefits to fishing, tourism

A global study of 34 countries reveals that marine protected areas deliver significant economic benefits to the fishing and tourism industries. The study found that MPAs boost either fishing or tourism, with some profits in the billions, and that strictly protected areas are more profitable and cheaper to manage.

SourceNational Geographic Pristine Seas·JournalScientia Marina·TypeLiterature review·DateMar 27, 2024

Researchers explore health-promoting behaviors of African American and Black immigrant men

A Rutgers Health study highlights the resilience and strengths of African American and Black immigrant males in dealing with gastrointestinal conditions. Key findings reveal a progression of strength stages through which participants navigate GI issues, emphasizing positive provider relationships as facilitators for prioritizing health.

SourceRutgers University·JournalAmerican Journal of Men s Health·TypeSurvey·DateMar 27, 2024

A new type of cooling for quantum simulators

A new technique has been developed to cool quantum simulators, allowing for more stable experiments and better insights into quantum effects. By splitting a Bose-Einstein condensate in a specific way, researchers can reduce temperature fluctuations and enhance the performance of quantum simulators.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review X·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 27, 2024