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Science News for October 23, 2024


Students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) face barriers to medical school admission, study finds

A new study led by Dr. Jasmine Weiss found that HBCU students face three major themes in navigating medical school: complex institutional relationships, preferential treatment concerns, and the importance of a 'village mindset'. The study highlights opportunities for medical schools to engage with HBCUs and attract diverse student bodies.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeSurvey·DateOct 23, 2024

Critical steps and more research needed to support physicians’ mental health, experts say

Researchers say implementing established strategies is critical to addressing the physician well-being crisis, including reducing workload and facilitating timely mental health treatment. The review also highlights the need for policies supporting diverse perspectives to improve well-being among underrepresented groups.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeSystematic review·DateOct 23, 2024

Repeated COVID vaccines enhance mucosal immunity against the virus

Researchers found that repeated mRNA vaccines enhance mucosal antibodies in nasal secretions, blocking viral entry and providing sustained protection. The immune responses generated by mRNA vaccines may persist longer than previously thought, offering hope for sustained protection against emerging COVID-19 variants.

SourceVlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateOct 23, 2024

CRF® announces 2024 SET-10 Rankings

The Cardiovascular Research Foundation recognizes 29 leading institutions for their contributions to groundbreaking research advancing interventional cardiovascular medicine. The 2024 SET-10 rankings celebrate institutions making significant impacts across various categories, including basic science and clinical research.

A fresh spin on nuclear centering

Researchers used two specialized microscopes to measure the forces that keep the nucleus centered within a living cell, providing new clues about cellular cytoplasm and organelle motion. The study found that the force required to move the nucleus in C. elegans was approximately 1/6th less than that measured in sea urchin eggs.

SourceMarine Biological Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 23, 2024

Symbiosis in ancient Corals

A research team found that ancient corals from the Middle Devonian period, over 385 million years ago, had symbiotic algae that carried out photosynthesis. This discovery provides geochemical evidence of the oldest confirmed photosymbiosis in corals and sheds light on the nutrient cycle of Paleozoic-era reefs.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemistry·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 23, 2024

Family as a wealth factor

Researchers found that people who experience certain family events, such as late parents' death or becoming grandparents late, accumulate the most wealth. In contrast, childless individuals, especially those with a late parents' death, outperform others in the long run. The study suggests that individual wealth is linked to the broader...

SourceMax Planck Institute for Demographic Research·JournalSocial Forces·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 23, 2024

Maternal antibodies interfere with malaria vaccine responses

Research led by ISGlobal reveals that children younger than five months of age may benefit from the RTS,S and R21 malaria vaccines if they live in areas with low malaria transmission, where mothers have less antibodies to the parasite. The study analyzed blood samples from over 600 children and infants and found that high levels of mat...

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 23, 2024

Antibiotics and antifungals may slightly affect Parkinson's risk, study finds

Researchers at Rutgers University found that people who took multiple courses of penicillin antibiotics had a modestly lower risk of developing Parkinson's disease. The study analyzed medical records from over 93,000 people in the UK and found an inverse dose-response relationship between antibiotic use and Parkinson's risk.

SourceRutgers University·JournalParkinsonism & Related Disorders·TypeObservational study·DateOct 23, 2024

USC Stem Cell mouse study sheds light on the secret to maintaining a youthful immune system

A USC Stem Cell mouse study identifies a small subset of blood stem cells as the primary driver of immune aging. The researchers found that this subset overproduces innate immune cells, leading to an age-associated imbalance and increased disease risk. By targeting this subset, the study suggests a potential therapy to delay immune agi...

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalCellular and Molecular Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 23, 2024

Modulating polymerization of aromatic polyimides on carbon nanotubes for high-performance organic potassium-ion batteries

Researchers developed a new type of organic cathode material for potassium-ion batteries by modulating the polymerization degree of aromatic polyimides on carbon nanotubes. The optimized material exhibits long cycle stability and superior potassium storage capacity, enabling high-performance energy storage.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·DateOct 23, 2024

How blood cancer cells rewire to evade drug treatment

Researchers found that blood cancer cells rewired their gene regulatory networks to evade drug treatment in Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), disrupting normal differentiation and growth. The study identified key findings, including changes in open chromatin regions and the loss of binding of RUNX1 and AP-1 transcription factors.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateOct 23, 2024

Discovery of the target receptor for the plasma protein antithrombin ~New developments in plasma proteinology~

A research group has identified CLEC1A as a specific receptor for antithrombin, a plasma protein with anti-inflammatory properties. Antithrombin stimulates CLEC1A on human neutrophils to inhibit cell death and ROS production, suggesting a new mechanism of action for this plasma protein group.

SourceOkayama University·JournalBlood Vessels Thrombosis & Hemostasis·TypeNews article·DateOct 23, 2024

Climate change no “storm in a teacup” for the tea industry: Joint initiative between the UK and China to provide climate services to help

A collaborative project between the UK and China aims to develop actionable climate information for the tea industry, informing adaptation measures and decision-making. The Tea-CUP project focuses on Yunnan Province, where climate variability affects tea yield and quality, and has broader implications for sustainable development.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateOct 23, 2024

Study: Robotic automation, AI will speed up scientific progress in science laboratories

Researchers from UNC-Chapel Hill propose that robotic automation and AI can transform science labs, speeding up experiments and unlocking breakthroughs in health, energy and electronics. Automation reduces human fatigue, increases precision and improves safety, enabling scientists to focus on higher-level research questions.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalScience Robotics·DateOct 23, 2024

Researchers at NYU Tandon School of Engineering and KAIST develop method to 'hear' defects in promising nanomaterial

A new technique enables the detection of individual atomic-scale defects in hexagonal boron nitride, a two-dimensional material. This advance accelerates the development of next-generation electronics and quantum technologies by providing a way to 'hear' the electronic noise in specially designed transistors.

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·JournalACS Nano·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 23, 2024

Treatments used for HER2-positive breast cancers could help patients with rare gastrointestinal cancer

A clinical trial suggests that tucatinib and trastuzumab may benefit patients with rare bile duct cancer who also have HER2-mutated breast cancer. The treatment combination showed a 46.7% objective response rate in patients with bile duct cancer, compared to 22.2% in the broader patient group.

Cockroaches and maggots might be able to turn an invasive seaweed into a high quality compost, finds a new experimental study which provides hope for the environment and the circular economy

A new experimental study has found that cockroaches and maggots can efficiently break down invasive seaweed into a high-quality compost. This discovery offers promising prospects for the bio-recycling of the invasive alga Rugulopteryx okamurae and its management in circular economy applications.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 23, 2024

Memristive effect in supercapacitors

Scientists merge supercapacitors and memristors to create a new phenomenon, introducing hysteresis effects and variable memory times. This innovation enables controlled ion transport and enhances traditional energy storage capabilities.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateOct 23, 2024

Scientists explore privilege and consequences of recreation for people and wildlife

The study found that uneven distribution of resources gives some individuals more access to play than others. Wildlife is a major draw for nature-based tourism, but human recreation has unintended consequences for biodiversity. To coexist with wildlife, it's essential to follow common-sense rules and minimize disturbance.

SourceColorado State University·JournalThe Journal of Wildlife Management·DateOct 23, 2024

Nixing narcolepsy nightmares

A new therapeutic approach combining cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and lucid dreaming has shown promise in reducing nightmare severity and frequency in patients with narcolepsy. The study, published in the Journal of Sleep Research, found overall reductions in nightmare symptoms in all six participants tested.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of Sleep Research·DateOct 23, 2024

Let sleeping babies lie: Scientists highlight negative impacts of sleep disruption on early brain development

Scientists found that sleep deprivation during early life can negatively impact key brain functions, leading to lasting effects on behavior and social skills. The study also suggests that genetic risk for autism spectrum disorder can interact with sleep disruption to cause long-lasting changes.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 23, 2024

New method for producing innovative 3D molecules

Researchers at the University of Münster have developed a new method for synthesizing heteroatom-substituted 3D molecules, which are more stable than related flat rings. The innovative structures show promise as substitutes in drug molecules, offering new possibilities for drug development.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalNature Catalysis·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 23, 2024

Self-compliant memristive devices: A breakthrough in neuromorphic computing

Researchers developed a new memristive device capable of self-compliance, multilevel operation, and crossbar array formation for neural networks. The device demonstrated consistent switching characteristics and reliable multilevel operation with low power consumption, achieving high accuracy in image classification tasks.

SourceDongguk University Evaluation and Audit Team·JournalACS Nano·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 23, 2024

A “chemical ChatGPT” for new medications

A team of researchers from the University of Bonn has trained a chemical language model to predict potential active ingredients with special properties. The AI was able to reproduce the chemical structures of compounds with known dual-target activity, which may be effective in treating various diseases.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·DateOct 23, 2024

New concussion sign identified by Mass General Brigham & Concussion Legacy Foundation scientists could identify up to 33% of undiagnosed concussions

Researchers have discovered a new concussion sign called Spontaneous Headshake After a Kinematic Event (SHAAKE) that can identify up to 33% of undiagnosed concussions. Athletes report exhibiting SHAAKEs in association with concussions, and the study found that this motion is a reliable signal that a concussion may have occurred.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalDiagnostics·TypeSurvey·DateOct 23, 2024

Tiny tumor model recreates cancer metastasis

Researchers created a 3D-printed model to mimic the conditions that spur cancer cells' spread, allowing them to visualize this process in real-time. The model revealed a mechanism where low oxygen levels promote metastasis through lowering pH levels.

SourceNew York University·JournalLife Science Alliance·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 23, 2024

Scanning, scrolling, and swiping: New research uncovers why our brains are effective at quickly processing short messages

Researchers found that the brain's language comprehension system can detect the basic structure of a short sentence in roughly 150 milliseconds, similar to visual scene perception. This rapid processing capacity suggests that our brains may be able to make snap decisions based on quick messages.

SourceNew York University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 23, 2024

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution researchers use the sounds of healthy coral reefs to encourage growth of a new species of coral larvae

Researchers at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution found that golfball coral larvae can be encouraged to settle when they hear the sounds of a vibrant, healthy reef. Acoustic enrichment technique showed promise in revitalize degraded sites and help repopulate marine ecosystems.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalJASA Express Letters·TypeObservational study·DateOct 23, 2024

Influence of external and internal canopy structural heterogeneity on diversity and productivity relationship in subtropical forest

A new study reveals that external canopy structural heterogeneity has a stronger influence on species diversity-productivity relationships than internal heterogeneity. Researchers introduced a new index to quantify this external heterogeneity, which plays a key role in mediating biodiversity-forest productivity dynamics.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalForest Ecosystems·DateOct 23, 2024

Solving computationally hard problems with 3D integrated photonics

Researchers have developed a reconfigurable three-dimensional integrated photonic processor specifically designed to tackle the subset sum problem, a classic NP-complete challenge. The processor operates by allowing photons in a light beam to explore all possible paths simultaneously, providing answers in parallel and demonstrating hig...

Most young adults in the UK consider non-consensual condom removal during sex to be wrong and a violation of consent, with almost 9 in 10 seeing it as a form of sexual assault, per survey of 18-25-year-olds

A UK survey found that most young adults view non-consensual condom removal during sex as wrong and a violation of consent. The study, which surveyed 18-25-year-olds, also showed that nearly all participants considered it a form of sexual assault.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 23, 2024

New parasite discovered amid decline of California’s unique Channel Island fox

A new parasite, Pachysentis canicola, has been discovered on the Channel Island fox, causing severe intestinal damage and inflammation in infected individuals. The study highlights the importance of biosecurity in the Channel Islands National Park and underscores the impact of human activity on isolated ecosystems.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalInternational Journal for Parasitology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 23, 2024

Tardigrades, microscopic animals, are less cosmopolitan and more diverse than has been thought

Researchers at UNICAMP suggest that many species thought to be cosmopolitan may actually be misidentified, leading to a greater diversity of tardigrade species in Central and South America. The study proposes ignoring historical records and focusing on recent descriptions to better understand the species' distribution patterns.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalZoological Journal of the Linnean Society·DateOct 23, 2024

Fatigue test rig no more: Simulating bulldozer strength

Researchers have developed a virtual vibration test rig capable of accurately simulating the fatigue life of dozer push arms, streamlining the testing process and reducing costs. The new approach enables precise predictions of component durability, transforming how construction machinery is evaluated and enhanced.

SourceMaximum Academic Press·JournalInternational Journal of Mechanical System Dynamics·DateOct 23, 2024

Observation of nonlinear fractal higher-order topological insulator

A team of scientists has reported the experimental observation of a nonlinear fractal higher-order topological insulator, which supports a rich variety of topological corner states. The fractal structure can exhibit hybrid corner states and co-existing outer corner states with different internal structures.

Risk of cardiovascular disease linked to long-term exposure to arsenic in community water supplies

A new study finds that prolonged exposure to arsenic in water contributes to the development of ischemic heart disease. Decade-long arsenic exposure up to the time of a cardiovascular disease event was associated with the greatest risk. The study suggests stronger regulations would provide significant benefits to the population.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateOct 23, 2024

Safety and security: Study shines light on factors behind refugees’ resilience

Researchers identified stability and predictability as key factors associated with good mental health in refugees. Building individual skills and capabilities to cope and thrive is crucial to promote well-being. Social engagement and support from both the refugee's own community and the host community also linked to increased wellbeing.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalNature Mental Health·TypeSystematic review·DateOct 23, 2024

Anonymous distribution of naloxone via vending machines raises uptake by ex-prisoners, Rutgers researchers find

A new study published in the Journal of Substance Use and Addiction Treatment found that distributing free naloxone via vending machines in county jails can sharply increase the number of doses provided to inmates at release. This may help reduce overdose deaths, as former prisoners are more vulnerable due to lack of accessible support.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of Substance Use and Addiction Treatment·DateOct 23, 2024

Novel antibody platform tackles viral mutations

Researchers at Mount Sinai have developed an Adaptive Multi-Epitope Targeting and Avidity-Enhanced (AMETA) Nanobody Platform, a new antibody approach that can target multiple stable regions of viruses like SARS-CoV-2. The platform uses engineered nanobodies to bind to the virus, providing a more durable defense against evolving viruses.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 23, 2024

KAIST develops thread-like, flexible thermoelectric materials applicable in extreme environments​

Researchers at KAIST have developed a thermoelectric material that can generate electricity from body temperature and maintain stable performance even in extreme environments. The material, made of bismuth telluride fibers, has higher bending strength and showed no change in electrical properties after repeated bending tests.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 23, 2024

Dynamic gas sensing with blue μLED-activated SnO2 nanoparticles: A real-time tunable detection platform

The study introduces a novel dynamic gas sensing platform using blue μLED-activated SnO2 nanoparticles, exhibiting excellent sensitivity, tunable selectivity, and rapid detection. The system can distinguish various gases under light illumination, contributing to healthier living environments.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalNano-Micro Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 23, 2024

A research by the LAELA group of the UJI has revealed the benefits of multilingual education in the Valencian Community

A research by the LAELA group of the UJI has shown that multilingual educational programmes facilitate language and content learning. The study highlights the importance of promoting the mastery of English without neglecting other languages in the curriculum, as multilingual competence is an advantage for learning a foreign language.

SourceUniversitat Jaume I·JournalLanguage Culture and Curriculum·TypeCase study·DateOct 23, 2024

Rocky planets orbiting small stars could have stable atmospheres needed to support life

A University of Washington-led study suggests that rocky planets orbiting M-dwarf stars can maintain stable atmospheres over time, enhancing the chances of supporting life. The James Webb Space Telescope has observed hotter planets without significant atmospheres, but temperate planets in the 'Goldilocks zone' may have stable atmospheres.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 23, 2024

New chemical treatment reduces number of plant pores that regulate water loss

Researchers at Nagoya University have identified a chemical compound that regulates stomatal density in plants, reducing water loss through transpiration. The compound, Stomidazolone, inhibits stomatal development without affecting plant growth, offering a promising solution for drought-prone environments.

SourceInstitute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (ITbM), Nagoya University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 23, 2024

myeloMATCH precision medicine trials in myeloid leukemias open to patient enrollment across US and Canada

The myeloMATCH program offers a portfolio of biomarker-driven treatment trials to accelerate precision medicine in myeloid malignancies. Patients can enroll in clinical trials throughout their cancer treatment journey, with test results returned quickly to assign them to the most appropriate trial.

SourceSWOG Cancer Research Network·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 23, 2024

Towards zero-emissions by fuel-flexible technologies – New Finnish consortium brings cleaner solutions to marine and off-road transport

The Flexible Clean Propulsion Technologies project aims to develop innovative clean solutions for maritime transport and off-road machinery, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by up to 100% through the use of zero- and low-carbon fuels. The consortium brings together key players in Finland and international partners to shape the future ...

Dolphins sense military sonar at much lower levels than regulators predict

A team of researchers has directly measured the behavioral responses of dolphins to military sonar, finding that they are sensitive to sound levels orders of magnitude lower than previously predicted. The study reveals unexpected behaviors, including fine-scale changes in movement and changes in group configurations.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 23, 2024

A multi-level breakthrough in optical computing

Researchers from Pitt, UC Santa Barbara, University of Cagliari, and Institute of Science Tokyo have developed a new method for photonic in-memory computing that combines non-volatility, multibit storage, high switching speed, low switching energy, and high endurance in a single platform.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalNature Photonics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 23, 2024

Bystanders in a combat zone are treated as guilty until proven innocent

A study published in PLOS ONE found that people are more likely to assume unknown bystanders are enemy combatants than civilians, leading to a higher acceptance of collateral damage. The research suggests that this bias can result in civilian deaths and highlights the need for decision-makers to carefully evaluate their targets.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 23, 2024

Suicide risk highest on Mondays and New Year’s Day

An analysis of 1.7 million suicides in 26 countries found that Monday has the highest suicide risk, followed by New Year's Day. Risk patterns vary across weekends and holidays, with some countries experiencing increased risks on Saturdays or Sundays.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·TypeObservational study·DateOct 23, 2024