Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for October 2, 2024


Environmental quality of life benefits women worldwide

A global study reveals that women's environmental quality of life explains a substantial 46% of their overall health and well-being. The study found that younger women report poorer environmental quality of life, while older women experience improved quality of life after age 45.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSurvey·DateOct 2, 2024

Early academic success does not lead to increased STEM college enrollment for Black and Latine students

A recent study published in American Journal of Education found that White English-speaking students are the only group with a positive relationship between early STEM aptitude and majoring in a STEM subject in college. For Black and Latine students, early STEM aptitude does not translate into STEM enrollment.

SourceNew York University·JournalAmerican Journal of Education·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 2, 2024

Study reveals limits of using land surface temperature to explain heat hazards in Miami-Dade County

A recent study published in PLOS Climate examines the effectiveness of using land surface temperatures as proxies for surface air temperatures in subtropical regions. The findings reveal seasonal variations in the relationship between LST and SAT, underscoring the complexity of using LST data in subtropical, wet regions.

How a bacterium becomes a permanent resident in a fungus

A team of researchers led by Julia Vorholt at ETH Zurich initiated laboratory partnerships between bacteria and fungi to study the beginnings of an endosymbiotic relationship. They found that when certain bacteria are passed on to the next generation of fungi through spores, the fungus adapts and becomes more inhabited.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·DateOct 2, 2024

How estrogen’s millisecond-fast action happens

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine discovered estrogen's fast actions are mediated by the coupling of ER-alpha with ion channel protein Clic1, controlling chloride ion flux and enabling rapid neuronal responses. This finding sheds light on estrogen's role in regulating various physiological processes.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 2, 2024

Carnegie Mellon to lead development of implantable cell-based bioelectronic devices for patient-specific treatment and disease monitoring

A Carnegie Mellon-led team has secured a $42 million grant to develop implantable, cell-based bioelectronic devices for real-time therapy and disease monitoring in patients with thyroid disorders. The devices will offer adjustable, low-cost treatment and continuous biomarker measurement.

First map of every neuron in an adult brain

Researchers from the FlyWire Consortium have created a detailed wiring diagram of every neuron in the adult fly brain, revealing substantial similarities between individual brains. The map includes 50 million connections between neurons, providing insights into neural circuits and their functions.

SourceUK Research and Innovation·JournalNature·TypeImaging analysis·DateOct 2, 2024

Unpacking polar sea ice

New research from University of Utah mathematicians and climate scientists sheds light on the dynamic processes driving global climate change. The studies reveal that sea ice is not a solid layer but a complex mixture of water, air, and brine, which affects heat transfer and polar ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalScientific Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 2, 2024

Bottlenose dolphins “smile” at each other while playing

Researchers discovered that bottlenose dolphins use the open mouth facial expression to signal playfulness and that they mirror each other's expressions 33% of the time. This finding suggests that visual communication plays a crucial role in shaping complex social interactions in marine mammals.

SourceCell Press·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 2, 2024

Public perceptions of immigration growth rates vary by how they are presented, with "1 in 40" seeming like a bigger number than "2.5%", necessitating care in presentation of such information

Researchers found that people perceive immigration growth rates as larger when presented in a non-numerical format, such as '1 in 40', compared to numerical formats like '2.5%'. This highlights the importance of clear and accurate communication when discussing sensitive topics.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 2, 2024

The Lancet Public Health: Accelerating actions to eliminate tobacco smoking could help increase life expectancy and prevent millions of premature deaths by 2050, modelling study suggests

A modelling study suggests that reducing tobacco smoking globally to 5% by 2050 could increase life expectancy and prevent millions of premature deaths. Accelerating actions to eliminate tobacco smoking could result in up to 1.5 additional years of life expectancy among males and 0.4 years among females.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Public Health·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 2, 2024

Global study highlights the life-saving impact of Guideline-Directed Medical Therapy (GDMT) in heart failure patients

A global study highlights the life-saving impact of Guideline-Directed Medical Therapy (GDMT) in heart failure patients, particularly those with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). The study estimates that optimal implementation could save over 1 million lives per year, with significant regional disparities to address.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJAMA Cardiology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 2, 2024

Mystery of Uruguay’s amethyst geodes

Researchers from Göttingen University identified the low crystallisation temperatures and groundwater origin of amethyst geodes in northern Uruguay. The study proposes a new model explaining their formation, which could improve exploration techniques and lead to sustainable mining strategies.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalMineralium Deposita·TypeObservational study·DateOct 2, 2024

A breakthrough in chiral capsule tools for advanced optical technologies

Researchers at Institute of Science Tokyo create terpene-based chiral capsules that facilitate the easy preparation of well-defined host–guest composites with tunable chiroptical properties. The resulting composites can be used in water without organic solvents, paving the way for advances in cutting-edge optical technologies.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 2, 2024

A leap in behavioral modelling: Scientists replicate animal movements with unprecedented accuracy

Researchers create a complex model of nematode worm behavior, accurately mimicking its movements and offering insights into animal behavior. The findings have significant implications for medical research, particularly in the study of movement disorders like Parkinson's disease, and could also improve robotics.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 2, 2024

The rate of climate change threatens to exceed the adaptive capacity of species

A recent study on the Siberian primrose highlights the urgent need to curb climate change to allow species time to adapt through evolution. The research suggests that many wild species have limited capacity to adapt to warming climates, with some facing extinction due to geographic constraints and rapid climate change.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·DateOct 2, 2024

Bright light therapy for non-seasonal depressive disorders

A systematic review and meta-analysis found bright light therapy to be an effective adjunctive treatment for non-seasonal depressive disorders. The study suggests that bright light therapy may improve the response time to the initial treatment, providing new hope for patients with these conditions.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateOct 2, 2024

Reducing daily sitting may prevent back pain

A six-month study found that reducing daily sitting by 40 min/day can prevent back pain from worsening. The researchers suggest trying to reduce sitting at work or leisure time, but emphasize the importance of physical activity such as walking or brisk exercise.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalBMJ Open·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 2, 2024

Neuroscience breakthrough: A Princeton-led research team has mapped the entire brain of an adult fruit fly for the first time

A Princeton-led research team has built the first neuron-by-neuron and synapse-by-synapse roadmap through the brain of an adult fruit fly. The map reveals connections within the brain at every scale, enabling researchers to better understand its underlying logic and potentially develop tailored treatments for brain diseases.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalNature·TypeImaging analysis·DateOct 2, 2024

Storms, floods, landslides associated with intimate partner violence against women two years later

A study of 156 countries found that climate-related disasters like landslides and floods are associated with an increase in intimate partner violence against women two years after the event. The effect is similar in magnitude to economic factors, suggesting a potential link between climate change and social drivers of violence.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Climate·TypeObservational study·DateOct 2, 2024

Study reveals invasive Apple Snail could spread further in Africa

The invasive Apple Snail poses a significant threat to rice crops in Africa, particularly in Kenya, where it has already infested over 80% of the Mwea irrigation scheme. The study suggests that strict quarantine measures are necessary to curb the spread of the pest.

SourceCABI·JournalCABI Agriculture and Bioscience·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 2, 2024

UVM scientist maps fruit fly brain

A team of scientists has successfully mapped the entire brain of Drosophila melanogaster, a fruit fly, using electron microscopy dataset and connectome analysis. The complete map will help researchers understand how different circuits work together to control behaviors like motor control, courtship, and decision-making.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalNature·TypeObservational study·DateOct 2, 2024

Peptide synthesized at University of São Paulo acts as molecular shield to prevent SARS-CoV-2 from infecting cells

Researchers at the University of São Paulo developed a synthetic peptide that mimics the ACE2 receptor, blocking SARS-CoV-2 invasion and reducing inflammation in human lung cells and mice. The peptide could be customized for every variant, offering a fast-acting molecular shield against the virus.

Study shows changes to organ allocation policy reduced waiting time and increased transplants for children with pediatric acute liver failure

A recent study by Children's Hospital Los Angeles showed that reprioritizing organ allocation led to better outcomes for children with PALF. The changes resulted in substantially decreased deaths on the pediatric waitlist, increased rates of liver transplant, and improved post-transplant outcomes.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·JournalJAMA Surgery·TypeObservational study·DateOct 2, 2024

Health care site- and patient-related factors influencing COVID-19 vaccination completion rates

A recent study found that community health centers (CHCs) played a crucial role in COVID-19 vaccination completion, with 72% of patients receiving vaccinations by the end of 2022. CHC-related factors such as location and Medicaid expansion significantly influenced vaccination rates, highlighting disparities among socioeconomically disa...

SourceAmerican Public Health Association·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 2, 2024

New CAMH-led study highlights effective treatment for male postpartum depression

A new study from CAMH and Pakistan researchers demonstrates the effectiveness of an integrated psychosocial intervention in improving paternal mental health and child development outcomes. The intervention improved depressive symptoms, household dynamics, and child social and emotional development in a cohort of Pakistani fathers.

SourceCentre for Addiction and Mental Health·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 2, 2024

NSF to invest $5 million to the Reliable and Scalable Biofoundries for Biomanufacturing and Global Bioeconomy

The NSF has invested $5 million in the Reliable and Scalable Biofoundries for Biomanufacturing and Global Bioeconomy to advance bioeconomy research and solve global challenges. The project aims to establish standards and metrics for biofoundry applications, promote industry partnerships, and develop workforce development programs.

Unveiling genetic insights: how PAI-1 polymorphisms influence COVID-19 outcomes

A recent study from Japan investigates the impact of PAI-1 4G/5G polymorphism on thrombotic and inflammatory responses in Japanese patients with COVID-19. The study reveals that the 4G allele is linked to fibrinolysis inhibition and thrombosis risk, while the 5G allele promotes enhanced fibrinolysis and active cytokine responses.

SourceJuntendo University Research Promotion Center·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 2, 2024

Revolutionizing cell biology: first-ever artificial cell nuclei created in living egg from purified DNA injection

A team of researchers has successfully created the first artificial cell nuclei in living mouse eggs by injecting purified DNA, revealing key mechanisms behind nucleus formation. The study provides crucial insights into nuclear function and structure, with potential applications in reviving extinct animals and creating artificial life.

SourceKindai University·JournalGenes to Cells·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 2, 2024

As temperatures rise, researchers identify mechanisms behind plant response to warming

Plant biologists have mapped two paths that plants implement during elevated heat conditions to minimize heat damage. Carbon dioxide sensors play a central role in the stomatal warming-cooling responses, while a second heat response pathway bypasses normal photosynthesis-driven responses, leading to increased water use efficiency.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNew Phytologist·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 2, 2024

Quantum research paves the way toward efficient, ultra-high-density optical memory storage

A team of researchers at Argonne National Laboratory has proposed a new type of optical memory that uses quantum defects to store data. By embedding rare-earth emitters in a solid material and transferring energy between them, the researchers aim to create an ultra-high-density storage method that could potentially exceed current limits.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Research·DateOct 2, 2024

Study: For long COVID, lithium aspartate at low doses is ineffective, but higher doses may be promising

A small clinical trial found that low-dose lithium aspartate is ineffective for long COVID symptoms, but a dose-finding study suggests higher doses may be effective in reducing fatigue and brain fog. Researchers are calling for further studies to explore the potential of lithium aspartate at higher dosages.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 2, 2024

The Lancet Public Health: Banning tobacco sales among young people could prevent 1.2 million lung cancer deaths, global modelling study suggests

A new study suggests that banning the purchase of cigarettes and other tobacco products among people born between 2006 and 2010 could prevent an estimated 1.2 million lung cancer deaths in 185 countries by 2095. This could reduce the impact of smoking on lung cancer deaths in future generations.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Public Health·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 2, 2024

Beyond ‘one pore at a time’

Researchers at University of Chicago developed a novel method to create high-density pores in membranes with intentional weak spots, enabling precise control over pore size and concentration. This technique has potential applications in water treatment, fuel cells, and other fields.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 2, 2024

Electric vehicle owners on average are richer, drive more than the general population, and have a higher than average carbon footprint due to higher disposable income—but owning an EV reduces their traffic related emissions

A study in Finland found that electric vehicle owners tend to be wealthier and drive more than the general population. Despite having a larger carbon footprint due to their disposable income, owning an EV reduces their traffic-related emissions.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Climate·DateOct 2, 2024

In surgery for localized muscle-invasive bladder cancer, extended lymph node removal offers no survival benefit but does increase morbidity

A randomized phase 3 trial found that extended lymph node removal in bladder cancer surgery does not improve disease-free or overall survival but increases the risk of complications and death. The standard bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy is considered a sufficient approach for these patients.

SourceSWOG Cancer Research Network·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 2, 2024

ASU researchers use AI to help people see more clearly

Researchers at Arizona State University have developed new diagnostic tools using artificial intelligence (AI) to help identify myopic maculopathy, a serious eye condition. The AI-powered systems can analyze retinal images and predict the correct classification of the disease, enabling more accurate treatment recommendations.

SourceArizona State University·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·TypeNews article·DateOct 2, 2024

Online insomnia treatment can help caregivers get much-needed rest, study suggests

A study suggests that online insomnia treatment, SHUTi, can provide meaningful relief for caregivers struggling with sleep difficulties. The program showed promising results in improving sleep quality and reducing stress among high-intensity caregivers, those shouldering the greatest responsibilities in caring for their loved ones.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalAnnals of Behavioral Medicine·DateOct 2, 2024

UChicago scientists decode key mutation in many cancers

A study from UChicago scientists reveals a significant role of RNA in DNA packaging and storage through the gene TET2. This pathway explains why many cancers involve TET2-related mutations and offers new targets for treatments. The discovery also sheds light on the connection between TET2 mutations and increased risks of heart disease,...

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalNature·DateOct 2, 2024

CNIO researchers propose a new treatment for brain metastasis based on immunotherapy

Researchers at CNIO propose a new treatment for brain metastasis by targeting pro-tumour astrocytes with immunotherapy. They identified TIMP1 as a biomarker to predict when immunotherapy is effective, and a clinical trial is underway to test the therapeutic efficacy of silibinin inhibition.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalCancer Discovery·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 2, 2024

Researchers receive grant to boost colorectal cancer screening follow-up in underserved communities

A new study aims to increase follow-up care for patients who receive abnormal stool-based fecal immunochemical tests, focusing on improving coordination between primary and specialty clinics. The goal is to improve colorectal cancer screening processes in underserved populations, increasing survival and reducing mortality.

Melanin’s impact on oxygen measurement accuracy using near-infrared spectroscopy

The study found that individuals with higher melanin levels experience decreased signal quality and lower oxygen saturation readings. To enhance reliability, researchers advocate for incorporating melanin level measurements and using specific wavelengths less absorbed by melanin.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·TypeObservational study·DateOct 2, 2024

People infer the past better than the future, study finds

A Dartmouth-led study found that people are more skilled at inferring past events from conversations than predicting future events. This phenomenon is attributed to the asymmetrical nature of human knowledge about their own lives and experiences, which influences how people converse.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateOct 2, 2024