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Science News for May 28, 2024


Low-cost, high-precision: a new ambiguity resolution method for urban GNSS positioning

A new ambiguity resolution method has been developed to improve the accuracy and reliability of urban GNSS positioning. The improved Best Integer Equivariant estimation method with Laplacian distribution achieved positioning errors under 0.5 meters in three directions, improving over traditional methods.

When should you neuter or spay your dog?

Researchers at UC Davis have updated their guidelines on neutering popular dog breeds, finding major differences in joint disorders and cancers. The study emphasizes personalized decisions, considering breed, sex, and context, and provides a table with guidelines for all 40 studied breeds.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalFrontiers in Veterinary Science·DateMay 28, 2024

COVID-19 pandemic leads to drop in breast cancer screenings, especially among older and racial minority women

The COVID-19 pandemic led to a decline in breast cancer screenings, particularly among older and racial minority women. A study analyzing real-world electronic health records found that follow-up screening rates decreased significantly during the pandemic, resulting in missed opportunities for early detection and treatment.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMay 28, 2024

Optimal cancer-killing t cells discovered

Researchers at the University of Houston have identified a subset of T cells called CD8-fit that show high motility and serial killing capabilities in patients with clinical responses. These cells were discovered using a patented approach called TIMING, which evaluates cell behavior and movement to identify potential cancer-killing cells.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalNature Cancer·DateMay 28, 2024

Asian forests show excellent resilience despite rising disturbances from climate change and human activities

A recent study using satellite remote sensing data reveals that Asian forests have shown excellent resilience to disturbances from climate change and human activities. Despite 20% of forests experiencing disturbances between 2000 and 2022, 95% recovered within a few decades.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateMay 28, 2024

Transgenic expression of rubisco factors increases photosynthesis and chilling tolerance in maize

Scientists at Boyce Thompson Institute have developed a method to enhance Rubisco production in maize, increasing carbon assimilation and boosting plant height. The transgenic plants also showed improved resilience to chilling stress, maintaining higher photosynthetic rates during cold exposure.

SourceBoyce Thompson Institute·JournalJournal of Experimental Botany·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 28, 2024

Ecological designed experiment method based on pragmatism: A case study of Haizhu Wetland Restoration Project in Guangzhou, China

This study employed pragmatic designed experiments to propose a semi-empirical ecological design framework, emphasizing learning by doing and research through practice. The project achieved various degrees of goals, with the enhanced paddy field system and bird island showing notable results.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalLandscape Architecture Frontiers·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 28, 2024

Smarter foragers do not forage smarter

A study in the Panamanian rainforest found that larger-brained primates did not outperform smaller-brained mammals in finding fruit. The research suggests that intelligence may not be directly linked to foraging efficiency, but could be related to other factors such as episodic memory or social complexity.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateMay 28, 2024

Text reminders help connect health care workers to care and improve their mental health

A new study found that regular automated text message reminders connecting staff to a mental health platform called Cobalt improved depression and anxiety scores among employees. The study showed that users' self-reported depression symptom scores improved by roughly 11 percent six months after engaging with the platform.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 28, 2024

Biodiversity in the margins: Merging farmlands affects natural pest control

A new study found that removing hedgerows and field margins decreases the diversity and abundance of arthropods, which can lead to reduced natural pest control. The research suggests that using flowering plants in field margins and implementing agri-environmental measures can be effective ways to increase farmland biodiversity.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 28, 2024

Finnish Vole fever spreading further south

A new study has discovered that bank voles in southern Sweden carry a virus that can cause hemorrhagic fever in humans, spreading the disease further south than previously known. The virus strain is closely related to strains from Finland and Karelia.

SourceUppsala University·JournalEmerging Infectious Diseases·TypeObservational study·DateMay 28, 2024

Is it a sound of music…or of speech? Scientists uncover how our brains try to tell the difference

Researchers found that the auditory system uses simple acoustic parameters to distinguish music from speech, with slower rates and more regular amplitude modulation sounding more like music. This understanding can potentially benefit people with aphasia and inform the design of rehabilitation programs using music therapy.

SourceNew York University·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 28, 2024

Scientists uncover a multibillion-year epic written into the chemistry of life

Researchers discovered that just eight new biochemical reactions can bridge the gap between simple geochemistry and biochemistry, indicating a limited loss of biochemistry to time. This finding suggests that even extinct reactions can be rediscovered from clues left behind in modern biochemistry.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 28, 2024

New study uncovers astaxanthin's anti-inflammatory potential against LPS-induced inflammation

A recent study published in Food & Function found that astaxanthin targets IL-6 and reduces LPS-induced oxidative stress, boosting cell repair and inhibiting inflammatory cytokine damage. The research suggests that direct binding of astaxanthin to IL-6 can inhibit the positive feedback loop of inflammatory factors.

A blood hepatocellular carcinoma signature recognizes very small tumor nodules with metastatic traits

Researchers developed a blood signature for identifying hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with metastatic traits using blood levels of alpha-fetoprotein and des-γ-carboxy-prothrombin. The signature effectively predicted HCC recurrence post-RFA, with 92% specificity and 91% sensitivity in the retrospective dataset.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalJournal of Clinical and Translational Hepatology·DateMay 28, 2024

UPF and Côte d’Azur University establish that the inclination with which the pulmonary veins reach the heart influences the risk of thrombi

Researchers found that the angle at which pulmonary veins reach the left atrial appendage affects blood flow and thrombus formation. The study used a sample of 130 patients to investigate the relationship between pulmonary vein morphology and thrombi risk in atrial fibrillation patients.

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 28, 2024

In international relations, it’s the message, not the medium

A study by MIT researchers found that the general public and policymakers take social media posts from world leaders just as seriously as traditional government statements. The research surveyed over 977 people about crisis signals in international relations, including tweets and official press releases. The results suggest that people...

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalInternational Studies Quarterly·DateMay 28, 2024

HKUST researchers enhance performance of eco-friendly cooling applications by developing sustainable strategy to manipulate interfacial heat transfer

Researchers at HKUST have developed a sustainable and controllable strategy to manipulate interfacial heat transfer, enhancing the performance of eco-friendly cooling in various applications. By leveraging a water adsorption process, they increased thermal energy transfer across interfaces by up to 7.1 times.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 28, 2024

Variations in medical assistant to primary care clinician staffing ratios may reflect differences in practice ownership and organizational culture

This study analyzed the current ratio of medical assistants to primary care clinicians across a nationally representative sample of adult primary care physician practices. The results show that independent practices, medical group-owned practices, and Federally Qualified Health Centers are more likely to have adequate staffing ratios.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMay 28, 2024

“The magic of making electricity from metals and air” The vexing carbonate has achieved it!

Researchers from Pohang University of Science & Technology have developed a high-energy, high-efficiency all-solid-state sodium-air battery that can reversibly utilize sodium and air without additional equipment. The breakthrough overcomes the challenge of carbonate formation, increasing energy density and reducing voltage gap.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 28, 2024

Study shows orange peel extract may improve heart health

Researchers at the University of Florida found that orange peel extracts can reduce harmful chemicals in the body. The study identified a compound called feruloylputrescine that inhibits the enzyme responsible for TMA production, paving the way for developing functional foods enriched with bioactive compounds.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateMay 28, 2024

A cleaner way to produce ammonia

Scientists from the Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have discovered a new way to produce ammonia, an essential fertilizer and component of cleaning products, using rare-earth metals as catalysts. The process operates at ambient conditions, reducing energy consumption and promoting food security.

Structural engineering unlocks potent tumor treatment with dual-function magnetite nanozymes

Researchers developed magnetite nanozymes with dual enzymatic activities through structural engineering, proving its structure-dependent behavior in tumor treatment. The novel MNZs exhibit antioxidant and peroxidase functions, disrupting the balance of reactive oxygen species and enhancing therapeutic effects.

Improved refrigeration could save nearly half of the 1.3 billion tons of food wasted each year globally

A new University of Michigan study concludes that nearly half of the food produced globally each year goes to waste. Implementing fully refrigerated food supply chains worldwide could eliminate 620 million metric tons of global food loss and reduce climate-warming greenhouse gas emissions by 41%.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 28, 2024

Marketers can manage 'feature creep'

A study found that consumers prefer products with interrelated features, which are easier to use and perform well. Companies can increase sales by highlighting these connections, while reducing dissimilar features. Product developers should focus on adding value through functional connectivity rather than numerous new features.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalJournal of the Academy of Marketing Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 28, 2024

Simple food swaps could cut greenhouse gas emissions from household groceries by a quarter

A new study reveals that switching to environmentally friendly food alternatives can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from household groceries. The analysis found that making like-for-like product swaps within sub-categories of foods could lead to emission reductions of up to 26% or 71%.

SourceGeorge Institute for Global Health·JournalNature Food·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 28, 2024

Bringing back an ancient bird

Researchers at Harvard University have successfully sequenced the genome of the extinct little bush moa, providing new genetic evidence about its sensory biology. The study sheds light on how and why some birds evolved to become flightless, offering clues for future de-extinction efforts.

SourceHarvard University·JournalScience Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 28, 2024

Proteomic signatures may indicate MRI-assessed liver fat

Researchers from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev have discovered a link between proteomic biomarkers and liver fat percentage, which may improve patient monitoring and therapy targeting for NAFLD. The study, conducted over 18 months, found that specific protein changes were independently associated with liver fat relative change.

SourceBen-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalHepatology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 28, 2024

Intermittent fasting shows promise in improving gut health, weight management

A new study highlights the benefits of intermittent fasting and protein-pacing on gut health, weight loss, and metabolic responses. Participants showed improved diversity of the gut microbiota, decreased symptoms of gastrointestinal problems, and increased beneficial microbes linked to a lean body type.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Communications·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 28, 2024

Targeting “monster cancer cells” could reduce recurrence rates after cancer therapy

Researchers at MUSC Hollings Cancer Center discover polyploid giant cancer cells can lead to disease recurrence after chemotherapy or radiotherapy. They found that targeting these 'monster cells' could prevent tumor relapse, and potential therapies like tamoxifen and statins may also be effective.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 28, 2024

Research to uncover the impact of water use in the Colorado River Basin

A new study by Virginia Tech researchers reveals that agricultural demand for water is significantly higher than cities, with crops used for feeding cattle being the largest consumers. The researchers also found that reservoir levels are dropping due to overuse and climate change, highlighting the need for efficient water use strategies.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 28, 2024

Light-activated drugs targeting adenosine A2A receptors in the brain that induce sleep

Researchers developed a novel light-sensitive drug that enhances extracellular adenosine activity, inducing sleep artificially without genetic modification. The drug overcomes issues with conventional photosensitive drugs, showcasing optochemistry's potential in targeting A2A receptors and regulating brain function.

Parents of children with serious illness from Somali, Hmong, and Latin American communities desire better communication and support in pediatric health care

A study found that professional interpreters and respectful relationships between parents and medical staff improve trust and quality care. Parents desire active listening, collaboration, and consideration of their children's religious, spiritual, and cultural needs to build trust and receive comprehensive care.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMay 28, 2024

New metasurface-based edge detecting filter for remote sensing transforms crop monitoring

A new, tuneable edge-detecting filter for flat-optic imaging systems can switch between an image of an object's outline and a detailed infrared image, enabling precise crop management and habitat restoration. The filter is compact, lightweight, and can be mass-manufactured.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Transformative Meta-Optical Systems·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 28, 2024

Better disciplinary structures in schools can help reduce hate speech directed against Asian American students

A study by UC Davis found that schools with authoritative climates and supportive adults are linked to lower rates of hate speech among Asian American adolescents. Students in more structured environments experienced less hate speech, while those who engaged in fights were more likely to be targeted.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalJournal of Youth and Adolescence·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 28, 2024

Researchers achieve 5% magneto-superelastic strain in Ni34Co8Cu8Mn36Ga14 single crystal

A research group led by Prof. JIANG Chengbao and Prof. WANG Jingmin achieved a giant magneto-superelasticity of 5% in a Ni34Co8Cu8Mn36Ga14 single crystal by introducing arrays of ordered dislocations to form preferentially oriented martensitic variants. This enables the creation of large stroke actuators and efficient energy transducers.

ASCO: MD Anderson’s Sharon Giordano and Richard Gorlick honored as 2024 Special Awards Recipients

Sharon Giordano and Richard Gorlick will be honored with Special Awards at the 2024 American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting for their dedication to improving cancer treatment and patient outcomes. Their research has made significant contributions to the field of oncology, with a focus on breast cancer and pediatric oncology.

Monitoring diseases through sweat becomes accessible to everyone

A flexible device has been developed that can stimulate sweat glands and simultaneously analyze biomarkers in sweat, enabling the non-invasive monitoring of diseases such as cystic fibrosis. The device was successfully tested on pediatric patients with cystic fibrosis, achieving an accuracy of over 98% comparable to traditional methods.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalBiosensors and Bioelectronics·DateMay 28, 2024

A change of direction

A new method has been developed to control the movement of embryonic cells by manipulating short-time attractors, which can be used to create synthetic organs and aid regenerative medicine. By modulating the spatial distribution of myosin, researchers were able to direct cell accumulation to targeted areas of the embryo.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 28, 2024

Translating the Surgeon General’s framework on social isolation and loneliness to actionable steps in primary care

The US Surgeon General's framework highlights three pillars for addressing social isolation and loneliness: training clinicians, assessing and supporting patients, and expanding public health surveillance. Primary care can be instrumental in preventing, identifying, educating, and intervening to address this growing epidemic.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMay 28, 2024

No significant correlation found between labor-inducing drug during childbirth and future risk of ADHD and autism spectrum disorder in children, study finds

A large cohort study found no association between synthetic oxytocin exposure during childbirth and increased risk of ADHD or autism in offspring. Interestingly, sOT was linked to lower ADHD risk among children born to mothers with pre-pregnancy obesity.

SourceEnvironmental influences on Child Health Outcomes·JournalJournal of Neurodevelopmental Disorders·TypeObservational study·DateMay 28, 2024

Study suggests ‘biodegradable’ teabags don’t readily deteriorate in the environment and can adversely affect terrestrial species

A new study found that biodegradable teabags made from polylactic acid (PLA) can take years to break down in soil and cause harm to earthworms. The research highlights the need for clear disposal information on product packaging, as many manufacturers are not providing accurate guidance.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 28, 2024

The secret sex life of coral revealed

A study published in Royal Society Open Science reveals that corals use multiple environmental inputs to synchronize their spawning timing. Water temperature is identified as the primary trigger for determining the annual window of opportunity, with rainfall and solar radiation also playing a role.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·TypeObservational study·DateMay 28, 2024