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Science News for May 29, 2024


UMA scientists have modified the configuration parameters of “phantom sensations” so that they are perceived by individuals

Researchers at the University of Malaga have developed an instruction manual to understand the operating limits of phantom motion, allowing for cost-effective and lighter haptic devices. The study found that individuals can perceive phantom sensation when a vibrating point travels at least 20% of the separation between actuators.

SourceUniversity of Malaga·JournalDisplays·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 29, 2024

Marine Protected Areas don’t line up with core habitats of rare migratory fish, finds new research

A new study found that 62% of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) designated to protect rare migratory fish species are outside of their core habitats. The study suggests that existing MPAs are not adequately protecting these species due to a lack of data on their distribution and habitat.

SourceBritish Ecological Society·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 29, 2024

How did the zebrafish get its stripes? Researchers are one step closer to finding out

Researchers have pinpointed the cellular machinery behind zebrafish's ability to rapidly change the color of their characteristic stripes from blue to yellow when distressed. By precisely altering the orientation of light-reflecting crystals, the fish can change the color of their stripes across the entire length of their body in seconds.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 29, 2024

Mason CARES intervention reduces stress and feelings of burden of family caregivers of older adults with dementia

A recent study published in the Journal of Applied Gerontology found that a 9-week online stress management intervention program for family caregivers reduced caregiver burden scores by 15%. The program provided education and strategies to manage stress, including self-care techniques like breathing and meditation.

SourceGeorge Mason University·JournalJournal of Applied Gerontology·DateMay 29, 2024

Risky path to meeting climate targets for Stockholm

Researchers at Linköping University assess Stockholm's climate strategy, finding a reliance on carbon capture technology without sufficient discussion of its risks. They recommend setting separate targets for emissions reduction and capturing CO2 to ensure clearer decision-making.

SourceLinköping University·JournalEnergy Research & Social Science·TypeCase study·DateMay 29, 2024

Researchers explain social media’s role in rapidly shifting social norms on gender and sexuality

New research reveals how social media has supported an explosion of diversity in gender and sexuality in America, enabling self-expression and authenticity. Online platforms like Tumblr, TikTok, and Twitter have created new cultural narratives around gender identity, bisexuality, asexuality, and intersectionality.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalAmerican Psychologist·DateMay 29, 2024

Maintenance of male-related genes after loss of males in stick insects

Researchers investigate gene preservation after loss of male traits in stick insects and find that genes involved in multiple biological processes are more likely to be maintained. This suggests that the molecular ground plan for the lost male reproductive process may persist due to pleiotropic effects on other traits.

SourceSMBE Journals (Molecular Biology and Evolution and Genome Biology and Evolution)·JournalGenome Biology and Evolution·TypeObservational study·DateMay 29, 2024

Abandoned farmlands could play a role in fighting climate change. A new study shows exactly where they are

A new study reveals that nearly 30 million acres of abandoned US cropland could be used to grow crops and trap carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The researchers mapped the lands at field-level resolution, providing valuable insights into their potential for sustainable energy production.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 29, 2024

BGU researchers and colleagues discover therapeutic potential of increasing MIF protein levels as a novel approach for treating amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

Researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev and international colleagues found that augmenting MIF protein levels delays motor function decline, modulates critical pathways, and extends lifespan in a SOD1 mouse model of ALS. Diminished MIF levels are also observed in familial and sporadic ALS cases.

SourceBen-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalCell Reports Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 29, 2024

Black people who fatally overdose in Pennsylvania are half as likely to receive naloxone as white people

A new study of 11,000 overdose deaths in Pennsylvania found that Black people who died from an overdose were half as likely to have received naloxone as white people. This racial disparity in naloxone administration highlights the need for targeted strategies to distribute life-saving medication and educate communities about its use.

SourceSociety for the Study of Addiction·JournalAddiction·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 29, 2024

International experts reach consensus on the labeling of spatial neglect

A consensus has been reached by an international team of rehabilitation researchers and clinicians on the standardized labeling of spatial neglect, a common disorder following neurological injury. The panel adopted 'spatial neglect' as the standard term for the disorder, aiming to improve diagnosis, treatment, and research.

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalArchives of Rehabilitation Research and Clinical Translation·TypeSurvey·DateMay 29, 2024

Bird flu: diverse range of vaccines platforms “crucial” for enhancing human pandemic preparedness

A new review emphasizes the importance of vaccination in preventing avian influenza spread among humans. The study suggests that a diverse range of vaccine platforms, including inactivated and live attenuated vaccines, as well as emerging alternatives like mRNA vaccines, will be crucial for enhancing pandemic preparedness.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalHuman Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics·TypeLiterature review·DateMay 29, 2024

Visible light-induced photocatalysis–self-Fenton degradation of P-Clphoh over graphitic carbon nitride by a polyethylenimine bifunctional catalyst

A novel bifunctional catalyst, Fe-PEI-CN, was synthesized to degrade p-chlorophenol through photocatalysis and Fenton reaction. The catalyst exhibited high photocatalytic activity due to enhanced light absorption and reduced electron-hole recombination.

SourceBeijing Zhongke Journal Publising Co. Ltd.·JournalTransactions of Tianjin University·DateMay 29, 2024

The case of the missing black holes

Researchers propose a novel approach to correct the leading model of primordial black hole (PBH) formation, aligning with cosmic microwave background observations. This could imply fewer PBHs than expected, potentially affecting the dark matter theory and gravitational wave events.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 29, 2024

What makes some plant groups so successful?

Researchers at Trinity College Dublin discovered that over 10,000 species have been described in just 83 big genera since 2000, with roughly one in four flowering plant species belonging to these groups. Understanding the success of these large genera may help predict their response to climate change and inform conservation efforts.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·DateMay 29, 2024

Menstrual periods are arriving earlier for younger generations, especially among racial minority and lower-income individuals

A new study found that average age at menarche has decreased by nearly a year over the past five decades, especially among Black, Hispanic, Asian, or mixed-race participants. The study also revealed that time to menstrual cycle regularity is increasing, particularly among lower-income individuals.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateMay 29, 2024

Inconsistent gaps by race and ethnicity exist in quality of health care under traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans

A new study by George Mason University found that Medicare Advantage (MA) plans do not equally improve the quality of care across all racial and ethnic groups. The study measured three measures of adverse health events and found smaller gaps in quality of care for Hispanic people versus non-Hispanic White people in MA.

SourceGeorge Mason University·JournalHealth Affairs·DateMay 29, 2024

Babies babble squeals and growls in clustering patterns observable from birth through the first year, suggesting this active vocal exploration is important to speech development

Researchers analyzed 130 English-learning infants' vocalizations and found significant cluster patterns of squeals and growls, indicating active play and sound practice. These findings suggest that infant vocal category exploration is a fundamental pathway for language development.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateMay 29, 2024

Children often exposed to problematic click bait during YouTube searches

A recent study suggests that YouTube's automated video recommendations for children do not always filter out violent or age-inappropriate content, leaving young users exposed to problematic clickbait. Researchers analyzed over 2,800 video thumbnails recommended by the platform and found that many contained disturbing images or messages.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMay 29, 2024

Microrespirometric validation of a two-stage process for polyhydroxyalkanoates production from peanut oil and propionate with cupriavidus necator

This study validates a two-stage process for producing polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) using peanut oil and propionate with Cupriavidus necator. The findings show that peanut oil is the most beneficial carbon source, leading to increased biomass and PHA production.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalThe Open Chemical Engineering Journal·DateMay 29, 2024

Emotional context in decision-making: Challenging Lewin's motivational conflicts theory

A recent study reviewed and challenged Kurt Lewin's long-standing motivational conflicts theory, finding that avoidance-avoidance conflicts are more challenging in positive and neutral contexts. The results expand our understanding of decision-making conflicts, highlighting the importance of emotional context in resolving these challen...

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalEmotion·TypeObservational study·DateMay 29, 2024

USC researchers pioneer new brain imaging technique through clear “window” in patient’s skull

In a proof-of-concept study, USC researchers used functional ultrasound imaging to collect high-resolution brain imaging data through a transparent skull implant in a patient. The results suggest that this approach could open new avenues for patient monitoring and clinical research.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 29, 2024

Quality over quantity for screen time - study

A study published in World Psychiatry found that the content we consume online has a greater impact on our health than the amount of time spent online. The report highlights the importance of taking an individualised approach to how the Internet affects mental health, cognition and social functioning.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalWorld Psychiatry·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 29, 2024

Scientists generate the first complete chromosome sequences from non-human primates

The study reveals remarkable variation between primate Y chromosomes, showing rapid evolution and previously unstudied regions. The researchers found that over 90% of ape X chromosome sequences aligned to the human X chromosome, while only 14-27% of ape Y chromosome sequences aligned to the human Y chromosome.

SourceNIH/National Human Genome Research Institute·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 29, 2024

JPMorgan Chase, Argonne and Quantinuum show theoretical quantum speedup with the quantum approximate optimization algorithm

Researchers at JPMorgan Chase, Argonne National Laboratory and Quantinuum show a quantum algorithmic speedup for the QAOA algorithm on the Low Autocorrelation Binary Sequences problem. The team demonstrates a significant step towards reaching quantum advantage, laying the foundation for future impact in production.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 29, 2024

Researchers realize controlled synthesis of Au-Ag heterodimer arrays for high-resolution encrypted information

Researchers from Hefei Institutes of Physical Science created a large-area preparation method for Au-Ag dimer arrays with nanometer-scale resolution due to multipolar coupling resonance. The localized surface plasmonic resonance enables patterned plasmonic arrays to encode complex colors and polarization patterns.

Study finds environmental conditions influenced how early humans migrated across northern Eurasia and the Americas beyond Africa

Researchers used climate models, genetic data, and archaeological evidence to understand how environmental conditions shaped early human migration. The study found that ancestors traveled primarily through warm and humid areas with a mix of forests and open spaces for resources and shelter.

SourceFlinders University·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 29, 2024

Too much exercise could actually trigger a hot flash

A new study published in Menopause suggests that acute increases in physical activity and temperature may contribute to the experience of hot flashes in midlife women. Researchers found that performing greater amounts of moderate physical activity than usual was related to more subjectively reported hot flashes.

SourceThe Menopause Society·JournalMenopause·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 29, 2024

RNA inhibitor is shown safe and effective in reducing a wide range of cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood in Mount Sinai-led clinical trial

A clinical trial led by Mount Sinai researchers shows zodasiran, an RNA inhibitor targeting ANGPTL3, significantly reduces various types of cholesterol and triglycerides. The therapy also lowers apolipoprotein B, a lipid-transporting protein linked to heart disease.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 29, 2024

Researchers improve satellite surveillance of emperor penguins

A new study uses satellite imagery in conjunction with phenological and behavioral models to accurately predict the number of breeding pairs and fledging chicks. The estimated counts were compared to a dataset collected over a 10-year period at a colony, highlighting the importance of long-term, systematic time series for understanding...

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateMay 29, 2024

Talking about a taboo

Researchers investigated how stigma affects women's menstrual health practices in Bangladesh. A study on group discussions found that normalizing the topic of menstruation empowers women to access better menstrual products. Women were willing to pay more for pads and showed increased interest in alternative products after open discussi...

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalJournal of Development Economics·DateMay 29, 2024

Q&A: How AI affects kids’ creativity

Researchers found that AI tools require support from adults and peers for kids to integrate them meaningfully into their creative practices. The study highlights the need for tailored design approaches that account for children's unique needs and developmental stages.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction·DateMay 29, 2024

New technique from Brown University researchers offers more precise maps of the Moon’s surface

The study enhances shape-from-shading technique to create detailed models of lunar terrain with higher resolutions and faster production speeds. Researchers use advanced computer algorithms to automate the process, resulting in more accurate maps that show subtle features and variations of lunar surface terrain.

SourceBrown University·JournalThe Planetary Science Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 29, 2024

Researchers expose new symbiosis origin theories, identify experimental systems for plant life

Researchers challenge single-origin theory of root nodule symbiosis, identifying multiple origins and ideal experimental systems to better understand symbiotic relationships. The findings suggest a lesser role for shared genetic machinery in genetically engineering crop plants to work with nitrogen-fixing bacteria.

SourceMississippi State University·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 29, 2024

Biobased building materials less sustainable than concrete in South Africa, experts find

Researchers found that mycelium composites, made from fungi and agricultural residues, can have a greater environmental impact than conventional fossil-fuel-based materials in countries like South Africa. The technology's overall potential damage on the environment can be mitigated by incorporating alternative energy sources.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 29, 2024

Solving the problems of proton-conducting perovskites for next-generation fuel cells

A newly developed perovskite with large intrinsic oxygen vacancies achieves high proton conduction at low and intermediate temperatures. The material can take up more water to increase its proton concentration, reducing proton trapping through electrostatic repulsion between the dopant and proton.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry A·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 29, 2024

New wind speed sensor uses minimal power for advanced weather tracking

A new wind speed sensor has been developed that uses minimal power to track wind speeds, allowing for extended deployment periods and reduced maintenance. The device, called B-WA, can operate autonomously and efficiently in varying wind conditions, providing precise and reliable data collection.

The use of new technologies expands understanding of brain tumors in children

A new study using next-generation molecular sequencing and DNA methylation profile analysis identified a rare type of pediatric brain tumor with specific genetic alterations. The tumors were found to be clinically aggressive but some responded well to chemotherapy, highlighting the need for personalized treatment strategies.

SourceD'Or Institute for Research and Education·JournalActa Neuropathologica Communications·DateMay 29, 2024

AI helps medical professionals read confusing EEGs to save lives

Researchers at Duke University developed an assistive machine learning model that greatly improves the ability of medical professionals to read EEG charts. The model, which provides visual explanations and decision support, has been shown to almost double medical professionals' accuracy in identifying seizure-like events, potentially s...

SourceDuke University·JournalNEJM AI·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 29, 2024

Portable pathology passes the test

Researchers from Flinders University tested on-site pathology testing and found it to be equivalent to laboratory tests in terms of quality and accuracy. The study was conducted across 100 remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in Australia.

SourceFlinders University·JournalDiagnostics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 29, 2024

Editing without “cutting”: Molecular mechanisms of new gene-editing tool revealed

Researchers elucidated the spatial structure and molecular mechanisms of 'prime editor,' a novel gene-editing tool that achieves reverse transcription without DNA cutting. This breakthrough contributes to designing gene-editing tools accurate enough for gene therapy treatments, opening new avenues for both basic and applied research.

SourceSchool of Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 29, 2024

Slugs and snails love the city, unlike other animals

A study using crowd-sourced data from iNaturalist found that slugs and snails are more common in urban areas than other native species. In contrast, butterflies and moths were the least tolerant of urban environments. The analysis provides valuable insights for city planners to increase urban biodiversity.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateMay 29, 2024

Hiding in plain sight

A team of researchers from Japan, China, and Finland created a system called generative content replacement (GCR) that uses AI to replace parts of images that might threaten confidentiality with visually similar but AI-generated alternatives. In tests, 60% of viewers couldn't tell which images had been altered.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·TypeImaging analysis·DateMay 29, 2024

Study shows effectiveness of updated COVID-19 vaccines wanes moderately over time, is lower against currently circulating variants

New research shows updated COVID-19 vaccines still offer reasonably durable protection against infection, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19, but effectiveness decreases over time. Boosters targeting omicron subvariants are less protective against the now-dominant JN.1 strain.

SourceUNC Gillings School of Global Public Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 29, 2024

Breakthrough in poplar genomics: Nearly gap-free genome assembly unveils new insights and applications

A research team has successfully assembled a nearly gap-free, telomere-to-telomere genome of P. ussuriensis, filling gaps present in the P. trichocarpa genome. The assembly's high collinearity with P. trichocarpa facilitates comparative genomics, epigenetic research, and reproductive biology studies.

SourceMaximum Academic Press·JournalForestry Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 29, 2024

Study finds older adults hospitalized for heart failure had high risk of kidney complications

Researchers found that 6% of patients with heart failure progressed to dialysis within a year, highlighting the need for integrating heart and kidney care. The study emphasizes prioritizing kidney function assessment in all patients with heart failure and promoting systemic changes to manage both conditions simultaneously.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJAMA Cardiology·TypeObservational study·DateMay 29, 2024

Johns Hopkins Children’s Center study shows more than just social media use may be causing depression in young adults

A Johns Hopkins Children's Center study found that social media use is associated with depression in young adults, but may not be the sole cause. Participants who were more depressed also tended to spend more time on social media, while excessive screen time was linked to lower green space exposure and cannabis use.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalInternational Journal of Mental Health and Addiction·DateMay 29, 2024

Establishing a novel inherited arrhythmia model mouse causing sudden cardiac death at young age

Researchers established a novel mouse model of inherited arrhythmia that spontaneously causes lethal arrhythmias, shedding light on the pathogenesis and potential drug efficacy. The study identifies a critical mutation in ryanodine receptor 2 (RyR2) as a key regulator of cardiomyocyte contraction.

SourceInternational Institute for Integrative Sleep Medicine, University of Tsukuba·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 29, 2024