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Science News for October 18, 2024


Shrouded in axions

Researchers from the Universiteit van Amsterdam and other institutions show that axion clouds around neutron stars could provide a new way to observe these elusive particles. The formation and properties of these clouds are studied, offering new opportunities for axion research and potentially solving the dark matter puzzle.

SourceUniversiteit van Amsterdam·JournalPhysical Review X·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 18, 2024

Kumamoto University researchers identify key enzyme in aging cells to promote healthy aging

Researchers found that ACLY activity activates the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), a pro-inflammatory environment associated with chronic inflammation and aging. Blocking ACLY activity reduces inflammation-related genes in aged cells, suggesting a potential strategy for managing aging and age-related diseases.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 18, 2024

Materials of the future can be extracted from wastewater

A team of researchers has developed a method to extract valuable materials such as biopolymers and phosphorus from wastewater treatment plants. These biomaterials can be used as sustainable alternatives to oil-based products in various industries, including paper production, building materials, and water purification.

SourceAalborg University·JournalCurrent Opinion in Biotechnology·TypeNews article·DateOct 18, 2024

Kumamoto University scientists achieve successful reproduction of hematopoietic stem cell developmental process in an in vitro culture system

Researchers at Kumamoto University have achieved a groundbreaking advancement in stem cell biology by reproducing the developmental process of hematopoietic stem cells in vitro. This culture system enhances our understanding of HSC development and has the potential to be instrumental in stem cell therapy and blood disease treatments.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 18, 2024

Nonnative plants are a major force behind global insect invasions, new study finds

A recent study by American Institute of Biological Sciences reveals that nonnative plant species are a major force behind the growing number of insect invasions worldwide. The research challenges traditional assumptions and highlights the importance of controlling the spread of nonnative plants in mitigating biological invasions.

SourceAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences·JournalBioScience·TypeLiterature review·DateOct 18, 2024

Molecular insights into differences in color and shape of male and female chicken feathers

The study reveals hormone-dependent molecular mechanisms that cause sexual dimorphism in chicken feathers, including the role of thyroid hormone activation/inactivation system. The findings also shed light on the cultural significance of chickens in Japanese society and its impact on promoting social cohesion.

SourceOkayama University·JournalGeneral and Comparative Endocrinology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 18, 2024

Global study reveals people, including those most affected by climate change, do not understand climate justice

A global study found that people across 11 countries recognize the social and economic injustices caused by climate change, but struggle to understand the concept of climate justice. Two-thirds of respondents had never heard of the term, while most supported related beliefs and actions.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 18, 2024

Newly devised covert eye tracking “CovET” system succeed in measuring visual recognizability of Saizeriya logo

A new covert eye-tracking system, CovET, has been developed to evaluate visual recognizability of brand logos in peripheral visual fields. The study found that participants could recognize the Saizeriya logo even when it was presented outside their line of gaze, indicating higher visual recognizability on covert attention.

SourceChuo University·JournalInternational Journal of Affective Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 18, 2024

New study urges enhanced recruitment strategies to help address US primary care physician shortages

A new study by the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute suggests that policy interventions tailored to the citizenship status of international medical graduates can help address US primary care physician shortages. The research found significant effects on IMGs' choices of specialties and practice locations, with varying trends depend...

SourceHarvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 18, 2024

Seismic image of the crust and upper mantle beneath the northern Tibetan Plateau suggests lithospheric mantle removal promotes the plateau’s growth

A recent study using seismic imaging has found that the removal of lithospheric mantle beneath the northern Tibetan Plateau leads to post-collisional magmatism, thickening the crust and driving the plateau's northward growth. This process is supported by correlated melting in both the crust and upper mantle.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateOct 18, 2024

UVA professor tackles graph mining challenges with new algorithm

A UVA professor has developed a new computational algorithm to find tightly connected clusters, or triangle-dense subgraphs, within large networks. This breakthrough can help uncover suspicious activity in fraud detection and identify community dynamics on social media with greater precision.

SourceUniversity of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalIEEE Transactions on Knowledge and Data Engineering·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 18, 2024

Three experts explain how research is being done to make immunotherapy effective in an increasing number of breast cancers

Immunotherapy holds promise for treating breast cancer, but its effectiveness varies. Researchers Karin de Visser, Sandra Demaria, and María Casanova-Acebes discuss advances and challenges in applying immunotherapy to this common tumor. They highlight the importance of factors like diet, biorhythms, and personalized approaches to impro...