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Science News for May 1, 2024


Rock solid evidence: Angola geology reveals prehistoric split between South America and Africa

A research team from Southern Methodist University has found evidence of the splitting of South America and Africa in ancient rocks and fossils in Angola. The study provides a clear visual representation of the continents moving apart and the formation of the South Atlantic Ocean, offering insights into Earth's past.

SourceSouthern Methodist University·JournalGeological Society London Special Publications·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 1, 2024

UMSOM preclinical study finds novel stem cell therapy boosts neural repair after cardiac arrest

Researchers at UMSOM identified a modified sugar molecule that enhances human neural stem cells' proliferation and transition into neurons, improving brain function and reducing anxiety and depression. The study provides a promising proof of concept for regenerative medicine in patients with cardiac-arrest induced brain injuries.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 1, 2024

Study finds biomarkers for psychiatric symptoms in patients with rare genetic condition 22q

A recent study led by UC Davis Health researchers provides new insights into the molecular changes linked to 22q11.2 deletion syndrome, a rare genetic condition that can lead to psychosis, ADHD, and other conditions. The study identified two biomarkers, taurine and arachidonic acid, which could predict likelihood of psychosis in patien...

The Lancet Public Health: Global study reveals stark differences between females and males in major causes of disease burden, underscoring the need for gender-responsive approaches to health

A new study examining disparities in the 20 leading causes of disease burden between females and males found that non-fatal conditions like musculoskeletal conditions and mental health conditions disproportionately affect females globally. In contrast, males are disproportionately affected by conditions leading to premature death, such...

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Public Health·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 1, 2024

Machine learning tool identifies rare, undiagnosed immune disorders through patients’ electronic health records

A machine learning tool called PheNet can identify patients with rare, undiagnosed diseases years earlier, improving outcomes and reducing cost and morbidity. By analyzing patterns in electronic health records, the tool ranks patients by likelihood of having a disorder like common variable immunodeficiency.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateMay 1, 2024

These communities are most vulnerable to weather-related power outages in New York State

A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that certain regions in NY State, including Queens and the Bronx, were more severely impacted by severe weather-driven power outages. The study analyzed hourly power outage data from 2017 to 2020 and found that rural areas were affected for longer periods than cities.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalPLOS Climate·TypeObservational study·DateMay 1, 2024

New study supports psilocybin’s potential as an antidepressant

Psilocybin has shown promise in reducing symptoms of depression after one or two doses with few side effects and no current evidence of causing addiction. The study found a large effect size favouring psilocybin, but further research is needed to clarify the factors that maximise its treatment potential.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·TypeSystematic review·DateMay 1, 2024

Scientists solve chemical mystery at the interface of biology and technology

Researchers discovered a two-step process behind the lagging behavior of organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs), which can be customized to improve data processing speed. The study's findings may help design better materials for next-generation applications in biosensing and brain-inspired computation.

Companies can capitalize on crises to thrive in their industry, study finds

New research has found that companies on the periphery of industry networks can successfully build connections and gain influence after disruptions. By examining airline industry networks, researchers discovered that peripheral airlines were more successful in building connections with central firms following major changes or shocks.

SourceCity St George’s, University of London·JournalResearch Policy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 1, 2024

UVM scientists decode exercise's molecular impact

Researchers conducted a groundbreaking study supported by the NIH Common Fund to examine the molecular effects of exercise on healthy adults and children. They discovered varied changes across the body, particularly in adrenal glands, and observed gender differences in molecular responses, especially in white fat tissue.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalNature·DateMay 1, 2024

Unraveling the roles of non-coding DNA explains childhood cancer’s resistance to chemotherapy

Researchers identified over 500 functional non-coding DNA variants associated with chemotherapy resistance in acute lymphoblastic leukemia, a common childhood cancer. These variants were linked to a specific gene and mechanism of resistance, offering new insights into the underlying causes of treatment failure.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateMay 1, 2024

New study shows the dramatic impact of extreme poverty on mortality in a racially diverse low-income population

A study of an extremely low-income and predominantly Black population found that those earning less than $15,000 a year died, on average, more than 10 years earlier than those with higher incomes. The researchers highlighted the need for policy interventions to reduce mortality and health disparities in low-income Americans.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 1, 2024

The popular kids in school may be sleeping less

Researchers found that popular teens sleep less than their peers, with popular girls experiencing more insomnia symptoms. This study suggests that social context and emotional investment may contribute to sleep difficulties in popular teenagers.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Sleep·TypeSurvey·DateMay 1, 2024

Friends with health benefits: How the buddy system pays off when pursuing goals

A field experiment found that exercising with a friend increases visits by 35% and boosts overall gym attendance. Social incentives also foster stronger social bonds and create greater accountability, making goals more attainable. This study suggests using joint-incentive programs can boost employee engagement and motivation.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley Haas School of Business·JournalManagement Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 1, 2024

Discovery of an atypical heat shock factor, HSF5, involved in meiotic mechanisms: Implications for male infertility

Kumamoto University researchers discovered HSF5's crucial role in the completion of meiosis and activation of genes essential for sperm formation under non-stress conditions. HSF5 is distinct from other Heat Shock Factors, which primarily regulate gene expression in response to stress.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 1, 2024

A “cosmic glitch” in gravity

Researchers discovered a 'cosmic glitch' in the universe's gravity, explaining strange behavior on a cosmic scale. The new model modifies Einstein's general relativity, resolving inconsistencies without affecting existing uses.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalJournal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics·DateMay 1, 2024

Hepatitis B is globally underassessed and undertreated, especially among women and Asian minorities in the West

A new study reveals that chronic hepatitis B is globally undertreated, especially among women and Asian minorities in the West. The research highlights the need for targeted outreach to reduce new infections and deaths, with oral antiviral therapy being a lifesaving but underutilized treatment option.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Hepatology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 1, 2024

Trial by YouTube: Prejudicial views of mental health labels formed following trial of Johnny Depp and Amber Heard

A new study by University of Surrey students reveals that viewing expert testimony during the high-profile trial led to highly prejudicial views of both parties' mental health difficulties. The research found these views were considerably more negative than their initial attitudes towards mental illness.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalBJPsych Bulletin·TypeObservational study·DateMay 1, 2024

Satellite images of plants’ fluorescence can predict crop yields

Researchers at Cornell University have developed a framework to predict crop yield using satellite images of solar-induced chlorophyll fluorescence. This approach could help farmers react to changing conditions, improve crop health, and reduce poverty. By leveraging satellite data, the method is cheaper and faster than traditional yiel...

SourceCornell University·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateMay 1, 2024

Roadmap to close the carbon cycle

A new roadmap proposes a holistic approach to reducing net-zero carbon emissions by converting various parts of the economy to run on renewable electricity. The approach includes developing non-carbon fuels, finding non-fossil sources of carbon, and keeping carbon in play through circular economies.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalNature Reviews Chemistry·TypeCase study·DateMay 1, 2024

The big quantum chill: NIST scientists modify common lab refrigerator to cool faster with less energy

Researchers at NIST have modified a refrigerator to cool materials to within a few degrees above absolute zero, reducing cooldown time by half or quarter. This technology could save an estimated 27 million watts of power and $30 million in global electricity consumption.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 1, 2024

New computer algorithm supercharges climate models and could lead to better predictions of future climate change

A new computer algorithm developed by University of Oxford scientist Samar Khatiwala can drastically reduce the spin-up time of Earth System Models, enabling researchers to investigate subtle changes in model parameters and define uncertainty more accurately. This breakthrough could lead to better predictions of future climate change a...

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 1, 2024

A blood test for stroke risk? Study finds network of inflammatory molecules may act as biomarker for risk of future cerebrovascular disease

Researchers at UCLA Health have developed a potential biomarker for stroke risk using a network of inflammatory molecules in the blood. The study, published in the journal Stroke, found that patients with higher concentrations of these molecules had an 84% chance of experiencing a stroke during their lifetime.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalStroke·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 1, 2024

Novel genetic plant regeneration approach without the application of phytohormones

Researchers at Chiba University have developed a novel method for plant regeneration that modulates gene expression to control cell differentiation. The approach uses transcription factor genes to induce cellular differentiation in tobacco, lettuce, and petunia tissue cultures without the need for external phytohormones.

SourceChiba University·JournalFrontiers in Plant Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 1, 2024

Brief anger may impair blood vessel function

A new study found that brief anger episodes can negatively impact blood vessel function, leading to increased risk of heart disease and stroke. The researchers investigated the effects of anger, sadness, and anxiety on blood vessel function and found that evoking an angered state led to blood vessel dysfunction.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateMay 1, 2024

Nonmotor seizures may be missed in children, teens

A study published in Neurology found that nonmotor seizures were often missed in children and teens, leading to delayed diagnosis and potentially worse outcomes. Researchers discovered that participants with initial nonmotor seizures were less likely to seek emergency care and had a higher percentage of incorrectly identified seizures.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateMay 1, 2024

New strategy could lead to universal, long-lasting flu shot

Researchers at Duke University have developed a new vaccine strategy that targets the portion of the flu virus surface with less variability, aiming for universal and long-lasting protection. The experimental vaccine elicits an immune response focused on the stalk region, which remains consistent despite viral mutations.

SourceDuke University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 1, 2024

ChatGPT fails at heart risk assessment

A study by Washington State University found ChatGPT's generative AI system provided inconsistent heart risk assessments for patients with chest pain. The AI failed to match traditional methods used by physicians and returned different results for the same patient data, highlighting its limitations in high-stakes clinical situations.

SourceWashington State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 1, 2024

New findings point to an Earth-like environment on ancient Mars

Research team finds evidence of habitable conditions on ancient Mars using ChemCam instrument on NASA's Curiosity rover, highlighting the presence of manganese-rich sandstones and a shoreline deposit. The discovery suggests larger processes occurred in the Martian atmosphere or surface water, pointing to the need for further study.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Planets·TypeImaging analysis·DateMay 1, 2024

Dynamic DNA structures and the formation of memory

A research team has discovered that G-quadraplex DNA (G4-DNA) accumulates in neurons and dynamically controls gene expression underlying long-term memory formation. The study revealed the causal mechanism underlying G4-DNA regulation, involving site-directed deposition of the DNA helicase DHX36.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalJNeurosci·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 1, 2024

Organ transplant drug may slow Alzheimer’s disease progression in individuals with seizures

A study found that an organ transplant drug, rapamycin, can regulate over-excited neurons and preserve cognitive function in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease and seizures. The research suggests that seizures may accelerate AD progression and that targeting neuron excitability could slow the disease.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalBrain·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 1, 2024

Medical school scientist creates therapy to kill hypervirulent bacteria

A new therapy has been identified that can penetrate the slime protecting drug-resistant bacteria, allowing it to be killed by the body's immune system or antibiotics. The antimicrobial peptide, derived from cow peptides, targets sugar connections in the slime structure, damaging its integrity and allowing entry.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 1, 2024

Researchers identify biomarkers in blood to predict liver cancer

A new study suggests that proteins detectable in the blood could improve predictions about risk of liver cancer, potentially leading to earlier therapeutic interventions. The researchers used proteomics to develop a prediction model and identified 56 plasma proteins associated with liver cancer.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 1, 2024

Revealing the quantumness of gravity

Researchers propose an experiment to test the quantum nature of gravity without relying on entanglement. By using massive harmonic oscillators, they aim to reveal the quantumness of gravity in a way that was previously challenging due to the difficulty in creating heavy mass states.

SourceUniversiteit van Amsterdam·JournalPhysical Review X·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 1, 2024