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Science News for May 14, 2024


Novel inhibitor insights offer pathway to preventing PXR-associated drug resistance

Scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have designed novel PXR inhibitors that can block the activity of pregnane X receptor, a key regulator of drug metabolism. The study provides new insights into the relationship between compounds that activate and inhibit PXR, with implications for designing more effective therapeutics.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 14, 2024

Sensitivity to fairness and the gut microbiome

Taking pro- and prebiotics affects levels of altruistic punishment in ultimatum game players. Participants who took supplements were more likely to reject unfair offers, with those having a high Firmicutes-to-Bacteroidetes ratio seeing the greatest changes.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateMay 14, 2024

New methodologies to prevent fraud in the determination of the geographical origin of hazelnuts

Researchers have developed new methods to authenticate the geographical origin of hazelnuts, including a multi-isotopic approach that uses multiple markers to identify the most promising ones. This simple methodology could be easily transferable to control laboratories and support control bodies in facilitating more efficient controls.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalFood Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 14, 2024

Towards hazard-resilience cities: Comparative research on resilience-related policies and local practices in five cities worldwide

This study examines the journey toward hazard-resilience in five exemplary cities, highlighting distinct approaches to addressing disaster risk and building resilience. The research emphasizes the importance of government support, community participation, and cultural awareness in enhancing urban resilience.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalLandscape Architecture Frontiers·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 14, 2024

Looking inside battery cells

A team of researchers used state-of-the-art imaging techniques to study lithium-ion battery cells. They identified macroscopic deformations in the copper current collector due to local accumulations of silicon during electrode manufacturing. The defects compromise cell structure and functioning when agglomerates exceed 50 microns in size.

SourceInstitut Laue-Langevin·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 14, 2024

The case for sharing carbon storage risk

A new multi-tiered framework models CCS liability after nuclear power plant liability, balancing individual developer risk with industry-shared responsibility. This approach encourages knowledge sharing and communitarian self-regulation, reducing the risk of accidents and promoting timely deployment of critical carbon storage technology.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMay 14, 2024

Optical probing of ultrafast laser-induced solid-to-overdense-plasma transitions

Researchers create cutting-edge all-optical single-shot probing technique to capture target dynamics from cold solid to overdense plasma. The new method provides unprecedented insight into interplay of fundamental processes such as ionization dynamics and plasma hydrodynamic expansion.

Using artificial intelligence to speed up and improve the most computationally-intensive aspects of plasma physics in fusion

PPPL researchers utilize machine learning to perfect plasma vessel design, optimize heating methods, and maintain stable control of fusion reactions. The team achieves significant results by predicting disruptions and adjusting settings before instabilities occur, enabling high-confinement modes in tokamaks.

SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 14, 2024

Mosaic grassland landscapes are the most beneficial

Researchers found that extensive, unfertilized grasslands promote biodiversity and soil protection, while pastures and meadows provide cultural services. The study suggests a combination of different grassland types is necessary to sustain all ecosystem services.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 14, 2024

Heat’s effects on police and judges

High temperatures reduce emotional control and increase aggression in police officers, resulting in more dismissals of hot-day arrests. Judges also make harsher decisions on hotter-than-average days, issuing longer prison sentences and higher fines.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateMay 14, 2024

Artificial intelligence tool detects sex-related differences in brain structure

A new study using AI technology analyzed MRI scans from 471 men and 560 women, revealing differences in brain organization at a cellular level. The findings highlight the need for diversity in neurological research and may offer new insights into how psychiatric and neurological disorders develop differently in men and women.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalScientific Reports·TypeImaging analysis·DateMay 14, 2024

Text messages with financial incentives for men with obesity

A new study shows that text messaging with financial incentives significantly improves weight loss in men with obesity compared to traditional methods. The intervention combines personalized text messages with cash rewards, resulting in a 5% weight loss threshold, and could be an effective low-cost solution for health services.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateMay 14, 2024

New technique improves finishing time for 3D printed machine parts

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a technique that automates quality control during the finishing process of 3D printed metal machine parts. This approach allows users to identify potential flaws without removing parts from equipment, making production time more efficient.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalInternational Journal of Manufacturing Technology and Management·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 14, 2024

Rice’s Mamouras wins NSF CAREER Award

Konstantinos Mamouras, assistant professor of computer science at Rice University, has been awarded a $547,555 NSF CAREER Award to decentralize IoT applications and relieve network congestion. He aims to introduce novel programming techniques that enable efficient and reliable IoT development.

Avocado pruning residues used to produce more sustainable food packaging

Researchers at the University of Córdoba have developed a material for food packaging using avocado pruning residues, reducing reliance on bioplastics and increasing durability. The new compound exhibits strong mechanical properties and potential antimicrobial capacities, addressing industry needs ahead of upcoming European regulations.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalAdvanced Sustainable Systems·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 14, 2024

Check and checkmethane

A research team at Kyoto University has developed an AI method to automatically detect methane emissions globally, resolving trade-offs with existing detection methods. The system can identify small methane plumes, paving the way for systematic quantification of global warming.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 14, 2024

New transit station in Japan significantly reduced cumulative health expenditures

A new transit station in Japan significantly reduced average healthcare expenditures per capita over four years, with savings of approximately $929.99. The study used a causal impact algorithm and time series data to analyze the medical expenditure data gathered from a suburban city on the West Japan Railway line.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalJournal of Transport & Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 14, 2024

What’s actually in your supplements? Chapman University researchers detect hidden ingredients and questionable claims in supplements

A recent study by Chapman University researchers reveals that some supplements may mislead customers with unproven health claims and undeclared ingredients. The team analyzed 54 supplements containing Ayurvedic herbs associated with COVID-19 treatment and found concerns in 60% of the products, including undetected expected ingredients.

SourceChapman University·JournalPhytochemical Analysis·DateMay 14, 2024

Simulating diffusion using 'kinosons' and machine learning

By recasting diffusion as a sum of individual contributions called 'kinosons,' researchers developed a new method to model alloy behavior. Machine learning is used to compute the statistical distribution of these contributions, allowing for fast and accurate simulation of diffusion. This breakthrough enables significant improvements in...

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 14, 2024

A bionanomachine for green chemistry

Scientists at the Paul Scherrer Institute have precisely characterized the styrene oxide isomerase enzyme, enabling the production of valuable chemicals and drug precursors in an environmentally friendly manner. The enzyme's unique mechanism and high specificity make it a promising tool for green chemistry.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 14, 2024

Does pharmacological treatment of ADHD reduce criminality?

A study published in the Journal of American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry found that pharmacological treatment of ADHD reduced violence- and public-order related crimes among patients in the grey zone for treatment. However, it had no effect on other types of crimes. The study used a quasi-experimental design with populat...

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateMay 14, 2024

How wildfires change soil chemistry

A review study published in Nature Reviews Earth & Environment highlights the need for better monitoring of changes in soil and surrounding ecosystems after wildfires. This enhanced monitoring could inform decisions on treating drinking water sourced from burned areas, reforestation, and protecting workers against toxins.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature Reviews Earth & Environment·TypeLiterature review·DateMay 14, 2024

Researchers create human aortic aneurysm model to advance disease understanding, treatment testing

Scientists have developed a functional model of thoracic aortic aneurysm using human cells in laboratory rats, offering new avenues for drug development and effective screening. The model successfully mimics dilation of the human aorta and has potential applications for treating this potentially fatal condition.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 14, 2024

How to make ubiquitous plastics biodegradable

Scientists have discovered a way to break down styrene, a toxic plastic component, using microorganisms that produce an enzyme called styrene oxide isomerase. This enzyme accelerates the conversion of styrene into a less toxic compound, offering a potential solution for biodegradable plastics.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 14, 2024

USC study reveals racial disparities in diagnosis and drug use for dementia symptoms

White and Hispanic people are most likely to be diagnosed with behavioral symptoms of dementia, but also receive potentially harmful drugs. The study found substantial racial disparities in dementia diagnosis and treatment, with non-white patients being underdiagnosed for treatable symptoms.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalJournal of Alzheimer’s Disease·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 14, 2024

Genes driving age-related blood cell mutations uncovered

Scientists have discovered 17 new genes involved in clonal haematopoiesis, a process associated with ageing linked to increased risks of blood cancers. The findings highlight the clinical significance of these genes in driving mutant blood cell clones, offering new avenues for studying disease development and promoting healthier ageing.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature Genetics·TypeObservational study·DateMay 14, 2024

Study explores role of epigenetics, environment in differing Alzheimer’s risk between Black and white communities

A study from North Carolina State University found that environmentally caused alterations in the genome may contribute to Alzheimer's disease risk, particularly in Black people. The research identified stable epigenetic features that distinguish Alzheimer's brains from those without the disease.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalClinical Epigenetics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 14, 2024

Bruxism is a recurring condition among people with post-traumatic stress disorder

A study published in Clinical Oral Investigations found that people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often experience bruxism, or teeth grinding. The researchers emphasized the importance of collaboration between dentists and psychiatrists to diagnose and treat these patients effectively.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalClinical Oral Investigations·DateMay 14, 2024

Baby thanks to "glazing" of ovarian tissue

Scientists at University Hospital Bonn develop innovative vitrification method to preserve eggs before cancer treatment, offering higher chances of successful pregnancies. The technique involves slow freezing and avoids ice crystals damage, allowing for undamaged egg return.

SourceUniversitatsklinikum Bonn·JournalReproductive BioMedicine Online·TypeCase study·DateMay 14, 2024

Exploring interface phenomena for more durable and effective nickel–tungsten alloys

Scientists studied the nickel-tungsten alloy interface to understand its properties and behavior. The research revealed the formation of intermetallic compounds and diffusion-induced recrystallization regions, which significantly impact the material's mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Alloys and Compounds·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 14, 2024

Text messages with financial incentives can help men who are living with obesity lose weight, UK study finds (JAMA)

A new UK-based trial found that text messages with financial incentives can help men with obesity lose weight, with an average of 4.8% body weight loss over 12 months. The study, which involved 585 men living with obesity, suggests that text messaging alone may not be as effective in promoting weight loss.

Genetics provide key to fight crown-of-thorns starfish

Researchers have identified over 2000 protein-coding genes that change significantly between summer and winter in the starfish's reproductive process. This study provides a promising breakthrough in understanding how crown-of-thorns starfish communicate during reproduction, which could lead to the development of natural pest control me...

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMay 14, 2024

How to ensure biodiversity data are FAIR, linked, open and future-proof? Policy makers and research funders receive expert recommendations from the BiCIKL project

The BiCIKL project has shared lessons learned on improving data findability, accessibility, interoperability, and reusability (FAIR-ness) of various biodiversity data types. The project's policy briefs provide recommendations for policymakers and research funders to adopt best practices and guidelines.

Marine protected areas: Only a third are effective

A recent study by CNRS scientists analyzed the world's 100 largest MPAs and found that only a third of them offer real protection on a global scale. The study also reveals that unregulated and unmanaged areas account for a quarter of the surface area, with many MPAs allowing industrial activities incompatible with marine conservation.

SourceCNRS·JournalConservation·TypeObservational study·DateMay 14, 2024

Early diagnosis & treatment of peripheral artery disease essential to improve outcomes, reduce amputation risk

The 2024 AHA/ACC Guideline on the Management of Lower Extremity Peripheral Artery Disease aims to improve patient outcomes by emphasizing timely diagnosis and treatment. Coordinated care among a multispecialty team is crucial in reducing the risk of amputation, heart attack, stroke, and death for individuals with PAD.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalCirculation·DateMay 14, 2024

Researchers uncover what makes some chickens more water efficient than others

A team of researchers discovered a line of chickens bred for water conservation that can thrive under heat stress while consuming significantly less water than standard broiler lines. The high water-efficient chickens showed a 32-point improvement in water conversion and six-point improvement in feed conversion.

SourceUniversity of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture·JournalPhysiological Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 14, 2024

Dopamine inhibits the expression of hepatitis b virus surface and e antigens by activating the JAK/STAT pathway and upregulating interferon-stimulated gene 15 expression

A study found that dopamine inhibits the expression of HBV surface and e antigens in HepG2 cells, increasing interferon-stimulated gene 15 expression. The JAK/STAT pathway was also activated, leading to decreased HBV DNA and antigen expression in a mouse model.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalJournal of Clinical and Translational Hepatology·DateMay 14, 2024

New snail-inspired robot can climb walls

A snail-inspired robot has been developed to mimic the motion of a snail, featuring a sliding suction mechanism that enables it to slide on water and climb walls. The robot achieves comparable sliding ability as snails, carrying loads up to 1kg without energy consumption.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 14, 2024

Scientists unlock mysteries of orangutan communication

Researchers have revealed the intricate vocal patterns of Bornean orangutans, shedding light on their complex social behaviors and vocal communication. The study identified three distinct pulse types in their long calls, which play a crucial role in their communication across vast distances.

SourcePeerJ·JournalPeerJ·TypeObservational study·DateMay 14, 2024

2023 was the hottest summer in two thousand years

Researchers from the University of Cambridge and Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz found that 2023 was the hottest summer in the Northern Hemisphere in over two millennia, with temperatures 2.07C warmer than the coldest summer on record. The study uses tree ring data to show that global warming is having a profound impact, especially...

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature·DateMay 14, 2024

New study uncovers over a century of temperature trends at Beijing Observatory

A recent study at the Beijing Observatory has homogenized daily temperature data for over a century, correcting biases and deriving more reliable conclusions about climate change. The study reveals a significant warming trend of 0.199℃ per decade, with winter showing the most pronounced increase.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalInternational Journal of Climatology·DateMay 14, 2024

Optimal redistribution of nitrogen fertilizer among countries

Shifting excess nitrogen from rich countries to poor ones could increase crop production by 12%, with moderate/food insecure regions seeing significant gains in both fertilizer use and food output. Current levels of production could be maintained with only 53-68% of current nitrogen used through redistribution.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateMay 14, 2024

Meet the new insect killing Utah’s fir trees

A new study from the University of Utah documents the current extent of the balsam woolly adelgid infestation in Utah's Wasatch Mountains, with 41% of subalpine fir biomass exposed to damage. By 2100, climate projections predict that 79% of the area will be exposed to some level of damage.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalForest Ecology and Management·TypeObservational study·DateMay 14, 2024

Analysis of previously unstudied areas of the human genome suggests people with more copies of ribosomal DNA have higher risks of developing disease

A new study analyzed 500,000 individuals and found a strong statistical association between rDNA copy number and well-established markers of systemic inflammation, as well as kidney function. The research suggests that wider genome analysis could bring opportunities for preventative diagnostics and novel therapeutics.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalCell Genomics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 14, 2024

An easy pill to swallow – new 3D printing research paves way for personalized medication

Researchers have developed a method to fabricate customized pharmaceutical tablets with tailored drug release profiles using Multi-Material InkJet 3D Printing. This technology can print multiple drugs in a single tablet, simplifying complex medication regimens and providing precise treatment options for patients.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalMaterials Today Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 14, 2024

USTC reveals experimental demonstration of inequivalent mutually unbiased bases

Researchers from USTC demonstrated that inequivalent mutually unbiased bases (MUBs) exhibit distinct performance in quantum state estimation tasks. The experimental results showed a significant difference of 4% between the maximum and minimum fidelity, validating theoretical predictions with an average deviation of 0.16%.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 14, 2024

Bitter makes the stomach acidic, but how?

A study by researchers at the Leibniz Institute for Food Systems Biology has uncovered a molecular link between bitter taste receptors and gastric acid release. Bitter substances stimulate parietal cells to secrete protons, leading to acidic stomach conditions. The findings hold promise for innovative treatments of gastric diseases.

SourceLeibniz-Institut für Lebensmittel-Systembiologie an der TU München·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 14, 2024

Insilico Medicine publishes CDK8/19 novel inhibitor powered by generative chemistry platform to treat multiple cancers

Insilico Medicine's lead compound demonstrates strong enzymatic activity, selectivity, and favorable ADME properties, as well as antitumor activity in various animal models. The company's generative AI-powered platform generated over 3,600 candidate molecules before identifying the promising lead compound.

SourceInSilico Medicine·JournalJournal of Medicinal Chemistry·DateMay 14, 2024

Study tallies heatwave deaths over recent decades

A new study published in PLOS Medicine estimates that more than 150,000 people die annually from heatwaves worldwide, with the highest number of deaths in Asia and Europe. The research also reveals regional disparities in heatwave-related mortality, with areas having dry climates and lower-middle incomes experiencing the highest rates.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateMay 14, 2024