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Science News for May 9, 2024


ONe nova to rule them all

Astronomers propose a new model to explain the origin of phosphorus, with ONe novae as a major source. The theory predicts a large amount of phosphorus will be released in these events, which would have been readily available when the Solar System formed.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeObservational study·DateMay 9, 2024

VasFluidics: HKU Engineering researchers invent fluidic systems resembling blood vascular tissues for promising applications in the development of artificial blood vessels and biomedicine

Researchers from the University of Hong Kong develop a novel fluidic system called VasFluidics, which can modulate fluid compositions via spatially-different reactions. This discovery has promising applications in developing artificial blood vessels and biomimetic platforms for various biomedical applications.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 9, 2024

Discrimination may accelerate aging

A new study links interpersonal discrimination to changes at the molecular level, revealing a potential root cause of disparities in aging-related illness and death. Discrimination is consistently associated with accelerated biological aging, with everyday and major forms being linked to faster aging.

SourceNew York University·JournalBrain Behavior & Immunity - Health·DateMay 9, 2024

Social networks provide crucial support for older adults living with HIV, Rutgers Health study finds

A Rutgers Health study examines the importance of social support networks for older adults living with HIV, finding that strong connections can reduce stress and anxiety. The research also emphasizes the need for increased funding and programs to foster positive social interactions and improve overall quality of life.

SourceRutgers University·JournalAIDS Care·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 9, 2024

Study finds patients with limited English proficiency have poorer experiences with virtual health care

A study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that patients with limited English proficiency are more likely to rate video health care visits as worse than in-person appointments, despite having access to telehealth services. The study highlights the need for designing telehealth platforms that better serve marginalized populations.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMay 9, 2024

New stem cell research may have implications for liver transplantation

Researchers have successfully grown functional human liver cells in a different species, offering a potential solution to the shortage of donor organs for liver transplants. The breakthrough uses interspecies blastocyst complementation to produce transplantable human liver cells, which can effectively mitigate chronic liver fibrosis.

SourceInternational Society for Stem Cell Research·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateMay 9, 2024

Weaker ocean currents lead to decline in nutrients for North Atlantic ocean life during prehistoric climate change, research shows

Researchers found that weaker ocean currents during the Younger Dryas period led to a decline in nutrient availability, resulting in decreased biological productivity in the North Atlantic. This study supports predictions about the impact of climate change on ocean circulation and life.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalScience·TypeSurvey·DateMay 9, 2024

Brain mechanisms underlying sensory hypersensitivity in a mouse model of autism spectrum disorder

A study by IBS researchers has identified the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) as a key region responsible for sensory hypersensitivity associated with autism spectrum disorders. The team discovered that ACC hyperactivity and brain-wide hyperconnectivity contribute to sensory abnormalities in Grin2b-mutant mice.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 9, 2024

How aging clocks tick

Scientists have discovered that aging clocks measure stochastic changes in cells, rather than damage accumulation. This finding suggests that aging can be predicted using the variation in cellular processes.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalNature Aging·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 9, 2024

A fragment of human brain, mapped

A team of Harvard researchers, led by Jeff Lichtman, has created the largest synaptic-resolution, 3D reconstruction of a piece of human brain to date. The dataset contains 1,400 terabytes of data on neural connections in a tiny piece of human temporal cortex.

SourceHarvard University·JournalScience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 9, 2024

During peak of COVID-19 some lacked access to safe water and lavatories

A UC San Diego study found that people injecting drugs in San Diego and Tijuana often lacked access to drinking water, toilets, handwashing facilities, and showers. The study highlights the need for improved access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene services in both cities to reduce health disparities.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalInternational Journal for Equity in Health·TypeObservational study·DateMay 9, 2024

Topological Phonos: Where vibrations find their twist

An international team of researchers has discovered that the quantum particles responsible for material vibrations can be classified through topology. The study found that at least half of materials exhibit non-atomic cumulative phononic band sets, leading to potential applications in frequency filtering and mechanical energy attenuation.

SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·JournalScience·DateMay 9, 2024

Transforming common soft magnets into a next-generation thermoelectric conversion materials by 3 minutes heat treatment

A team of scientists at NIMS and Nagoya University has developed a novel method to create transverse thermoelectric conversion materials from common soft magnetic alloys. By applying a short period of heat treatment, they significantly improve the performance of anomalous Nernst effect, leading to enhanced energy efficiency and thermal...

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 9, 2024

Decarbonizing steel manufacturing

The Penn State research project, funded with a $1.33 million DOE grant, focuses on replacing coal-based materials with biomass in steel manufacturing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, the researchers plan to introduce a microcredential program to provide industry-specific training for underrepresented groups.

PolyU researchers create 2D all-organic perovskites and demonstrate potential use in 2D electronics

Researchers at PolyU developed a new class of 2D all-organic perovskites with high dielectric constants, surpassing those of silicon dioxide and hexagonal boron nitride. These materials show promise for use in 2D electronics, enabling superior control over current flow and potential applications in capacitors and transistors.

SourceThe Hong Kong Polytechnic University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 9, 2024

GPS-like system shows promise as HIV vaccine strategy to elicit critical antibodies

A new approach developed by Duke Human Vaccine Institute guides the immune system through specific steps to make broadly neutralizing antibodies against HIV. The mutation-guided vaccine strategy has shown promise in triggering the immune system to produce desired antibodies, potentially applicable to vaccines targeting other diseases.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateMay 9, 2024

Areas with more illegal market opportunities more likely to be targeted by organised crime, study shows

A new study found that communities with higher-than-average illegal market opportunities are more likely to be targeted by organised crime groups. Organised crime offenders tend to move into areas with similar socio-demographic profiles and target urban communities with higher levels of criminal activity.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalTrends in Organized Crime·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 9, 2024

What makes a public health campaign successful?

A new study analyzed 31 previous studies on global health programs to find common themes in public health success. The researchers identified eight key drivers, including efficient data systems, effective leadership, and women's empowerment, that contributed to exceptional outcomes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Global Public Health·TypeLiterature review·DateMay 9, 2024

AI tool instantly assesses self-harm risk

A new assessment tool developed by researchers at Northwestern University predicts suicidal thoughts and behaviors with an average accuracy of 92%. The tool uses a simple picture-ranking task along with contextual variables to identify individuals at risk of self-harm.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Mental Health·DateMay 9, 2024

An entirely new COVID-related syndrome

A new COVID-related syndrome, MDA5-autoimmunity and Interstitial Pneumonitis Contemporaneous with COVID-19 (MIP-C), has been identified in patients with severe lung scarring and autoimmune diseases. The syndrome was discovered through a retrospective observational study by UC San Diego researchers and UK colleagues.

Liberals and conservatives differ on climate change beliefs—but are relatively united in taking action

A global experiment involving 50,000 participants across 60 countries reveals that liberals and conservatives take action to address climate change at roughly the same levels. The study found that interventions aimed at increasing pro-environmental behaviors can be effective in spurring action among both groups.

SourceNew York University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 9, 2024

Presenting a safer, low-cost, and low-energy whole-body magnetic resonance imaging device

A new study presents a safer, low-cost, and low-energy whole-body magnetic resonance imaging device that operates on standard wall power outlets without RF shielding. The device produces clear and detailed imaging comparable to high-power MRI devices, addressing unmet clinical needs in diverse healthcare settings worldwide.

Developed compiler acceleration technology for quantum computers

Researchers developed a probabilistic approach to generate optimal sequences for execution on quantum computers, reducing search time by several orders of magnitude. The new method enables efficient searches within classical computational resources, contributing to the realization of the quantum Internet and improved performance.

SourceNational Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT)·JournalPhysical Review A·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 9, 2024

UCF student’s comparative analysis of primitive asteroids provides context for further research, future NASA missions

A UCF student's study of 25 members of the Erigone family of primitive asteroids has provided context for further research into the solar system's history. The data analysis suggests that these asteroids carry traces of their origins and may have delivered water to Earth, with implications for future NASA missions.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalIcarus·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 9, 2024

Bleaching of coral reefs shows severe ocean circulation changes

The study reveals that coral reefs are suffering from widespread bleaching and deaths, with the highest temperatures recorded in 175 countries. The researchers found that heat transport from the tropics to the polar regions has accelerated, causing sea surface temperature increases and exacerbating global warming feedbacks.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalOxford Open Climate Change·TypeObservational study·DateMay 9, 2024

Understanding the crucial role of information delivery in improving citizen perceptions of government policy: insights from Kyoto City

A study conducted by Professor Yu Noda at Doshisha University found that providing citizens with accurate information about government finances can positively influence their perceptions of policy decisions. The research revealed a significant learning effect among individuals dissatisfied with insufficient access to government informa...

SourceDoshisha University·JournalInternational Review of Administrative Sciences·TypeSurvey·DateMay 9, 2024

Laser printing on fallen tree leaves produces sensors for medical and laboratory use

Researchers in Brazil have developed a novel method to produce electrochemical sensors using fallen tree leaves, offering an eco-friendly alternative to conventional substrates. The sensors were successfully tested for detecting dopamine and paracetamol concentrations, demonstrating their potential for medical and laboratory applications.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·DateMay 9, 2024

A comprehensive review by the team of Xinhua Zhang at Shandong University of Technology on the significant roles and regulatory mechanisms of lncRNAs in fruit and vegetables

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play crucial roles in regulating protein-coding gene expression and respond to environmental stresses in fruits and vegetables. Recent research reveals the formation, functional characteristics, and regulatory mechanisms of lncRNAs in these crops.

SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalHorticulture Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 9, 2024

Traffic injuries to low-income NYC residents fell 30% in first five years of ‘vision zero’ road safety program, NYU study finds

A new study found that New York City's 'Vision Zero' initiative significantly reduced traffic injuries among low-income residents, with a 30% decrease in the first five years. However, the COVID-19 pandemic eliminated this improvement, possibly due to decreased traffic enforcement.

SourceNew York University·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 9, 2024

Under 4-minute milers’ longevity shows that extreme exercise doesn’t seem to curb lifespan

A study of the first 200 athletes to run a mile in under 4 minutes found that they lived nearly 5 years beyond their predicted life expectancy. The runners, who were born between 1928 and 1955, outlived the general population by several years on average, with those whose first successful attempt was in the 1950s living an average of 9 ...

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateMay 9, 2024

Oregon State scientists, collaborators say ocean biodiversity work needs improvement

The study analyzed the 100 biggest marine protected areas, finding that slow implementation of management strategies and lack of restriction on human activities hinder their effectiveness. The authors highlight the need for improved quality of marine protected areas to achieve the goal of protecting at least 30% of the ocean by 2030.

SourceOregon State University·JournalConservation Letters·TypeSurvey·DateMay 9, 2024

Transformation of ocean management is underway, study finds

A global study reveals progress in marine ecosystem-based management (EBM) initiatives, but acknowledges remaining impediments such as governance, stakeholder engagement, and technology. Experts emphasize the need for political will, persistence, and strategic marketing to overcome these challenges and accelerate EBM adoption.

SourceUniversity of Maine·Journalnpj Ocean Sustainability·DateMay 9, 2024

Adding immune-boosting agent to personalized cancer vaccine supercharges the body's immune defense against malignant brain tumors

Researchers at UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center have found a combination immunotherapy treatment that enhances the immune response for people with malignant gliomas. Adding an immune-boosting agent, poly-ICLC, to a personalized dendritic cell vaccine improves the immune response and activity of T cells in patients.

The beginning of becoming a human

Researchers Polina A. Loseva and Vadim N. Gladyshev challenge the existing definition of human life, suggesting a new meaning for the 14-day stage in organismal life grounded in recent mechanistic advances and insights from aging studies. This stage defines the separation of soma from the germline and marks the boundary between rejuven...

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeLiterature review·DateMay 9, 2024