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Science News for May 13, 2024


More than half of Americans give to charity at checkout, survey shows

A survey conducted by Binghamton University found that 53% of Americans give impulsively to charities at checkout, with women, Black respondents, and middle-class individuals under 50 being top-giving demographics. The total raised from checkout campaigns has increased yearly since 2012, but the frequency of donation requests may lead ...

SourceBinghamton University·JournalJournal of Public and Nonprofit Affairs·TypeSurvey·DateMay 13, 2024

New drug makes exercise, everyday tasks easier for people with common heart condition

A clinical trial found that aficamten significantly increased maximum oxygen use in patients with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. This improvement enables patients to perform everyday tasks more easily, such as walking and household chores. Researchers believe aficamten has promise as a treatment for this condition.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 13, 2024

How miniature backpacks led to the discovery of the world’s largest hummingbird species

Researchers attached miniature tracking devices to giant hummingbirds and discovered they migrate up to 13,000 feet in elevation, pausing for days to acclimate. The team found two distinct species of giant hummingbirds, one living year-round in the high Andes, after analyzing DNA from 154-year-old specimens.

SourceUniversity of New Mexico·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 13, 2024

Soil testing time saver predicts key soil health characteristics

A new study predicts key soil health indicators such as organic matter content and soil texture using standard tests. This can guide fertilization, irrigation, and herbicide decisions, reducing turnaround time by at least half. The models are accurate for fine and medium soils but less so for sandy soils.

SourceUniversity of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture·JournalAgrosystems Geosciences & Environment·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 13, 2024

Name that odor

Identical odors are processed differently in the brain based on their assigned labels, according to new research. The study found that participants rated odors with different names as more dissimilar than those labeled with the same name.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalHuman Brain Mapping·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 13, 2024

Kallistatin contributes to the beneficial metabolic effects of weight loss

Researchers found that Kallistatin expression increases after weight loss in individuals with overweight and obesity. Additionally, human Kallistatin improves hepatic insulin sensitivity in diet-induced obese mice. The study suggests that Kallistatin may be an interesting therapeutic target for people with obesity and type 2 diabetes.

SourceDeutsches Zentrum fuer Diabetesforschung DZD·JournalMolecular Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 13, 2024

Is the end of the package holiday provider near? Blockchain technology could revolutionize our travel experiences

A new study from the University of Surrey suggests that blockchain technology could eliminate traditional package holiday providers, slashing costs and giving property owners direct income. Customers would also benefit from greater control over their personal data thanks to enhanced security and privacy.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalTourism Management·TypeObservational study·DateMay 13, 2024

Healing faster: Unveiling the future of tissue & organ repair

A team of scientists at the University of Ottawa has developed a novel peptide-based hydrogel that can be used for on-the-spot repair to damaged organs and tissues. The material shows great potential for closing skin wounds, delivering therapeutics to damaged heart muscle, and reshaping and healing injured corneas.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 13, 2024

A CNIC study reveals the key role of mitochondrial proteins in cardiac regeneration

A CNIC study explores the mechanisms of supercomplex assembly and uncovers a major impact of mitochondrial assembly factors on cardiac regeneration. The researchers found that Cox7a1 plays a fundamental role in forming CIV dimers, which are crucial for correct mitochondrial function.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalDevelopmental Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 13, 2024

Better nutrition can help firefighters fight cancer

A recent study found that American firefighters recognize the link between diet and cancer risk and are interested in acquiring knowledge and support to change their dietary habits. The study suggests that targeted interventions focusing on individualized support and evidence-based interventions can help mitigate cancer risks among fir...

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·TypeSurvey·DateMay 13, 2024

New Study: The price tag of phasing-out coal

A new study finds that government plans for coal phase-out around the world include monetary compensation to affected parties, with a total estimated global cost of USD 200 billion. However, if China and India were to adopt similar plans, the cost would skyrocket to over USD 2 trillion. The researchers argue that international finance ...

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeSystematic review·DateMay 13, 2024

To avenge or not to avenge? Psychologists dig deeper into how people see revenge and those who do it

A study published in the Social Psychological Bulletin found that people who take revenge are morally condemned, but those who experience pleasure from doing so may be viewed as immoral. The researchers also discovered that when participants imagined themselves taking revenge, they perceived themselves as less moral than others.

SourceThe Polish Association of Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological Bulletin·DateMay 13, 2024

Getting out of the political echo chamber

Research suggests that presenting a balanced and pragmatic approach can foster respect and increase willingness to engage in discussions with those holding opposing views. By focusing on practical solutions and showing concern for both sides' interests, individuals can break down polarized debates and build bridges.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 13, 2024

New method unravels the mystery of slow electrons

Researchers have developed a new method to study slow electrons in solids, allowing for the deciphering of previously inaccessible information. By combining data from fast and slow electrons, scientists can now investigate how electrons release energy in their interaction with materials, crucial for applications such as cancer therapy ...

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 13, 2024

Microstructure, elastic/mechanical and thermal properties of CrTaO4: A new thermal barrier material?

Researchers have discovered a new thermal barrier material, CrTaO4, which improves the oxidation resistance of high-entropy alloys. The material displays elastic/mechanical properties comparable to yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ), making it a promising candidate for refractory metals and ultra-high temperature ceramics.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalJournal of Advanced Ceramics·DateMay 13, 2024

Exceptionally large transverse thermoelectric effect produced by combining thermoelectric and magnetic materials

A team of researchers has created a thermoelectric composite that exhibits a substantially larger transverse thermoelectric effect than existing magnetic materials, enabling the development of simpler thermoelectric devices. The device achieved a maximum output voltage of 15.2 μV/K, approximately six times larger than expected.

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 13, 2024

Diamond heat

Researchers used supercomputer simulations and machine learning to map diamond's phonon stability boundary in six dimensional strain space. This framework guides the engineering of materials through elastic strain engineering, enabling the development of new devices such as computer chips and quantum sensors.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 13, 2024

Why students cheat in online exams

Researchers at the University of Cologne found that students' negative perceptions of online exams can lead to increased cheating behavior, while positive perceptions and moral norms can reduce it. The study suggests that lecturers should consider students' psychological factors when designing courses and exam formats.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalJournal of Computer Assisted Learning·TypeSurvey·DateMay 13, 2024

Rice study reveals insights into protein evolution

Researchers at Rice University have made a groundbreaking discovery about protein evolution, revealing that pseudogenes can provide clues to the evolutionary journey of proteins. The team found that certain mutations can stabilize the folding of pseudogenes, but also disrupt their biological functions.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 13, 2024

DeepCRBP: Improved predicting function of circRNA-RBP binding sites with deep feature learning

A new research team has proposed a novel method, DeepCRBP, to predict the binding sites of circRNAs and RBP. It uses a combination of spatial encoding and sequence encoding modules to capture local and global contextual features in circRNA sequences. The performance of DeepCRBP surpasses several state-of-the-art methods.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Computer Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 13, 2024

When consumers would prefer a chatbot over a person

A new study by Ohio State University found that people prefer interacting with chatbots when they feel embarrassed about what they're buying online, such as personal care products. Chatbots are perceived as less judgmental and less emotionally expressive, reducing embarrassment and increasing willingness to provide personal info.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Consumer Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 13, 2024

Study reveals patients with brain injuries who died after withdrawal of life support may have recovered

Researchers analyzed data from 1,392 TBI patients and found that some who died after withdrawing life support may have survived and recovered independence. The study suggests delaying decisions on withdrawal might be beneficial for certain patients, as assumptions about poor outcomes can lead to a self-fulfilling prophecy.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalJournal of Neurotrauma·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 13, 2024

Concussion, CTE experts warn term used to describe head impacts – “subconcussion” – is misleading and dangerous

Researchers from top institutions argue that 'subconcussion' is a misleading term that should be replaced with more specific alternatives to better understand the risks of brain injuries. The authors recommend using 'nonconcussive' to describe head impacts without a concussion, highlighting the importance of accurate nomenclature for e...

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMay 13, 2024

Island birds more adaptable than previously thought

A recent study published in Proceedings of the Royal Society found that birds on islands are more evolutionarily similar and diverse than expected, with more species thriving in agricultural areas. The research suggests that there may be fundamental principles of ecology at play, influencing bird evolution on islands.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateMay 13, 2024

Taking electroretinography to the next level with a soft multi-electrode system

A new soft multi-electrode system for electroretinography has been developed to overcome the limitations of traditional devices. The system uses a commercially available soft disposable contact lens with gold mesh electrodes, allowing for simultaneous measurement of electrical potentials from different regions of the retina. This innov...

SourceWaseda University·JournalAdvanced Materials Technologies·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 13, 2024

Mount Sinai study identifies genetic link between inflammatory bowel disease and Parkinson’s disease

Researchers at Mount Sinai identified genetic connections between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD), highlighting potential for joint therapeutic strategies. The study found mutations in the LRRK2 gene as a common element linking both conditions, with implications for innovative treatments.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalGenome Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 13, 2024

Study findings demonstrate benefit to pediatric celiac disease mass screening

The study, conducted by Children's Hospital Colorado, found improvements in symptoms and quality of life for children diagnosed with celiac disease after participating in a mass screening program. Mass screening for pediatric celiac disease may become more common in the US, following similar conclusions drawn from European studies.

SourceChildren's Hospital Colorado·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·TypeObservational study·DateMay 13, 2024

Milestone in plasma acceleration

The HZDR team has made a significant advance in laser plasma acceleration, achieving energies of up to 150 MeV for protons. This breakthrough opens up promising applications in medicine and materials science, including new radiobiological concepts for tumor treatment.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 13, 2024

In a reservoir in Southeast Brazil, introduction of a fish native to the Amazon has reduced native species diversity

The introduction of the Silver croaker fish to a Brazilian reservoir has led to a sharp decline in native species diversity. The study, published in Biological Invasions, analyzed data from 2001-2016 and found that the invader had become the most abundant fish species, negatively affecting local biodiversity.

The search for habitable planets beyond Earth remains a complex and ongoing endeavor, requiring a deep understanding of planetary evolution and the intricate interplay of atmospheric and surface conditions

The study highlights the impact of volatile elements, convective mechanisms, liquid water, and carbon cycles on planetary habitability. Volatile elements affect atmospheric composition, while convection mechanisms shape surface conditions and regulate nutrient cycles.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalSpace Science & Technology·DateMay 13, 2024

New findings released from US 2020 Facebook and Instagram election study

Researchers found that taking a break from Facebook and Instagram in the weeks leading up to the 2020 presidential election had little effect on people's political views or negative opinions of opposing parties. However, users who were off Facebook were worse at answering news quiz questions but less likely to fall for misinformation.

SourceStanford University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 13, 2024

Variations in telomere lengthening genes may predispose some people to papillary thyroid cancer

Researchers found a correlation between genetic variations in three telomere-related genes and an increased risk of developing papillary thyroid cancer. The study suggests that individuals with these variants may benefit from closer monitoring for secondary cancers, and highlights the role of long telomeres in cancer development.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateMay 13, 2024

New gel breaks down alcohol in the body

Researchers at ETH Zurich developed a protein gel that breaks down alcohol in the gastrointestinal tract, reducing blood alcohol levels and acetaldehyde production. The gel shows promising results in mice studies, demonstrating a lower alcohol level and therapeutic effect on liver damage and weight loss.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 13, 2024

World's largest hummingbird is actually two species

Researchers identified two distinct species of Giant Hummingbirds, differing in their migratory patterns and genomes. The northern population remains in the high Andes year-round, while the southern population migrates up to 14,000 feet for non-breeding months.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 13, 2024

Recovery potential in patients with traumatic brain injury

A new study published in Journal of Neurotrauma found that more than 30% of patients with traumatic brain injury who underwent withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment recovered at least partial independence. The study suggests that a lifetime in a vegetative state or severe disability is not a common outcome even after a serious injury.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Neurotrauma·TypeObservational study·DateMay 13, 2024

New technique by NUS scientists to transform waste carbon dioxide into high-value chemicals achieves cost reduction of about 30%

Researchers from NUS have developed a novel technique that converts waste carbon dioxide into value-added chemicals and fuels. The method uses a nickel catalyst and acidic electrolytes, achieving an efficiency rate of over 99%. This innovation has the potential to reduce costs by up to 30% and is adaptable for different industrial needs.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 13, 2024

Exploring the effect of H2O2 eustress on individual cancer cells using hopping probe scanning ion conductance microscopy (HPICM)

Researchers used HPICM to study the effect of H2O2 eustress on individual colorectal cancer Caco-2 cells, finding that low levels of H2O2 can increase cell stiffness and negatively impact antioxidant defense. The findings suggest a potential new target for colon cancer treatment, inhibiting GPX under H2O2 eustress.

SourceNano Life Science Institute (NanoLSI), Kanazawa University·JournalScience Bulletin·TypeImaging analysis·DateMay 13, 2024

HKU theoretical physicists collaborate alongside CAS experimentalists uncovering novel quantum state known as “dirac spin liquid”

Theoretical physicists from HKU collaborate with experimentalists to uncover a novel quantum state known as 'Dirac spin liquid' in YCu3-Br material. The discovery provides compelling evidence for the existence of Dirac spinons, expected to exhibit unique characteristics similar to Dirac particles.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 13, 2024

Semaglutide can produce clinically meaningful weight loss and reduce waist size for at least 4 years in adults with overweight or obesity who don’t have diabetes, and delivers cardiovascular benefits irrespective of weight lost

Two studies based on the SELECT trial show semaglutide leads to sustained weight loss of 10% body weight and 7cm waist reduction after 4 years, regardless of starting weight or BMI. The medication also delivers cardiovascular benefits, with a lower risk of heart attack, stroke, or death.

ESMT Berlin researchers show ways to propel product success

ESMT Berlin researchers identified three key customer types: fans who demand immediate access, skeptics who require convincing, and middle-ground customers seeking information. The findings suggest firms should adapt their strategies based on market dynamics to achieve success.

SourceESMT Berlin·JournalProduction and Operations Management·DateMay 13, 2024

Electron vortices in graphene detected

Researchers at ETH Zurich directly detected electron vortices in graphene using a high-resolution magnetic field sensor. The vortices formed in small circular disks with different diameters and were observed to reverse the flow direction.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience·DateMay 13, 2024