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Science News for October 28, 2024


Genomic variants that increase risk of kidney disease are found in nearly one-third of West Africans

A study found that nearly one-third of individuals from Ghana and Nigeria carry APOL1 variants that significantly increase the risk of chronic kidney disease. The researchers also discovered that having a single copy of the APOL1 gene increases the risk by 18%, while two copies increase it by 25%.

SourceNIH/National Human Genome Research Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateOct 28, 2024

Up to half of Medicare beneficiaries lack financial resources to pay for a single hospital stay

A study found that up to 50.7% of Medicare beneficiaries with modest incomes may not have sufficient funds to cover out-of-pocket costs associated with a single hospital stay. This financial precarity is more prevalent among Black and Hispanic beneficiaries, those with lower education levels, and those with multiple chronic conditions.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateOct 28, 2024

Ensuring flawless metal 3D printing: New research tackles high-fidelity, high-resolution process monitoring

Researchers have developed a machine learning-based approach to detect keyhole pores in laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) metal 3D printing, achieving over 90% accuracy. The method uses simple light and sound sensors to monitor the printing process and accurately detect defects with a temporal resolution of 0.1 milliseconds.

SourceSongshan Lake Materials Laboratory·JournalMaterials Futures·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 28, 2024

Imaging the invisible: advanced tech targets microplastics in living organisms

A groundbreaking study introduces a novel mass spectrometry imaging approach to detect and quantify microplastics in biological samples, offering critical insights into their distribution and potential impacts on ecosystems and human health. The technique provides high-resolution spatial analysis of microplastic chemical compositions w...

SourceNanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, MEE·JournalEco-Environment & Health·DateOct 28, 2024

Co-culture system for sustainable cultured meat production

A new co-culture system uses photosynthetic microorganisms to remove waste products and enhance muscle cell growth, resulting in a 30% reduction of lactate and over 90% reduction of ammonia. This innovation provides a low-cost, sustainable alternative to animal serum for cultured meat production.

SourceWaseda University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 28, 2024

Age assurance online needs to be child rights respecting, new study says

A new study calls for a 'child rights' approach to age assurance online, emphasizing the need for robust evaluation, consultation with children, and protection of their privacy and civil rights. The research identifies serious concerns related to age assurance methods, including inadequate protections against online harm and exploitation.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalThe International Journal of Children s Rights·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 28, 2024

Cannabis use during pregnancy can impact thinking and learning skills, increase aggression among children, study shows

Researchers at Nationwide Children's Hospital found prenatal cannabis exposure associated with poorer thinking skills and behaviors like impulse control and aggression in preschool-aged children. The study supports existing clinical recommendations against cannabis use during pregnancy due to potential health risks.

SourceNationwide Children's Hospital·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateOct 28, 2024

Molecular profiling using next-generation sequencing of sufficient endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration and liquid biopsy samples in patients with advanced lung cancer

A recent study found that endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) provided sufficient tissue for identifying actionable genetic aberrations in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer. Liquid biopsy samples were also analyzed and compared to EBUS-TBNA results, demonstrating similar findings.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalJournal of Clinical and Translational Pathology·DateOct 28, 2024

Public and community engagement key to enhancing urban living conditions and environmental decision making in China, study says

A new study by the University of Exeter found that public participation is key to enhancing urban living conditions and environmental decision-making in China. The research suggests that smaller local projects tend to have higher levels of public engagement, while larger initiatives often experience minimal involvement.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature-Based Solutions·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 28, 2024

Unique multidomain enzymes from bacteria

Researchers have identified a unique multidomain enzyme capable of catalysing two separate reactions, cyclization and hydroxylation, on a single peptide substrate. This breakthrough discovery opens the possibility of developing innovative drug molecules with potential therapeutic applications for life-threatening infections and cancer.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalNature Chemistry·DateOct 28, 2024

H5N1 virus isolated from infected dairy worker is 100% lethal in ferrets, but does not appear to be circulating in nature anymore

Researchers found a highly pathogenic H5N1 strain isolated from a dairy worker that killed all infected ferrets, but the worker experienced mild symptoms and recovered. The study suggests that this particular strain may have died out and has not been detected in nature since.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 28, 2024

Bird wings inspire new approach to flight safety

Researchers at Princeton University developed a new technology inspired by bird feathers, which improves flight performance and prevents stalling. The covert-inspired flaps deploy in response to changes in airflow, offering an inexpensive and lightweight method to increase flight performance without complex machinery.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 28, 2024

Green growth: 30% of regions worldwide achieve economic growth while reducing carbon emissions

Researchers found that 30% of subnational regions have fully decoupled carbon emissions from economic growth. Decoupling is driven by climate action and has been successful in Europe, but less than half of regions will meet net-zero targets by 2050.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 28, 2024

Intrinsic factors of the CAR-T cells may play a major role on its clinical success

A new study found that CAR-T cell therapy success is predicted by three key features: the CD4/CD8 ratio in infusion products, the presence of T-cell exhaustion signals before infusion, and the expansion of T-cells during therapy. These factors can help improve treatment outcomes.

SourceJosep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute·JournalCell Reports Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 28, 2024

New study offers refined estimates of permafrost loss in High Mountain Asia under future warming

A new study published in Geophysical Research Letters refines permafrost loss estimates for High Mountain Asia (HMA) under future warming. By adjusting climate sensitivity values, the researchers found that HMA permafrost area could shrink by 37% to 64% under mid- and low-emission scenarios by 2081-2100.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateOct 28, 2024

A new chemistry for CRISPR

Researchers have discovered a new type of CRISPR chemistry that floods infected cells with toxic molecules and shuts down activity, preventing viruses from spreading. The discovery sheds light on the complex mechanisms of CRISPR systems and their potential applications as diagnostic tools for infection.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalCell·DateOct 28, 2024

Seeing a black hole's jet in a new light

A team of researchers has discovered a new pattern in the high-energy jet of particles blasted by the supermassive black hole at the center of galaxy Centaurus A. The study found that the speed of one knot in the X-ray jet was at least 94% the speed of light, significantly faster than previously measured speeds using radio observations.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateOct 28, 2024

A landscape of consciousness

Kuhn's 'landscape of consciousness' explores diverse theories of consciousness, including materialism, non-reductive physicalism, and quantum theories. The taxonomy is designed to examine their impact on ultimate questions like meaning, purpose, and value.

SourceFoundational Questions Institute, FQXi·JournalProgress in Biophysics and Molecular Biology·TypeLiterature review·DateOct 28, 2024

Human papillomavirus type 16 based L1, L2, E6, and E7 peptide microspheres induce encapsulated peptide mixture specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes and tumor regression in a murine model of cervical cancer

Researchers developed HPV16 peptide microspheres to induce specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes, leading to tumor regression in cervical cancer models. The approach combines peptide-based vaccinations with microsphere technology to enhance immune responses and eliminate tumor cells.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalCancer Screening and Prevention·DateOct 28, 2024

Impact of gradient microstructure on strain hardening via activation of multiple deformation mechanisms in CoCrNi medium entropy alloy

Researchers investigated the impact of gradient microstructure on strain hardening in CoCrNi MEA, revealing that fault energy characteristics trigger nanoscale deformation twins and phase transformations to enhance strain hardening ability. Microscopic structures like nanotwin gradients also improve mechanical properties.

SourceSongshan Lake Materials Laboratory·JournalMaterials Futures·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 28, 2024

Molecular data storage

A new method allows direct access to specific bits in synthetic polymer data storage, enabling random access. The researchers encoded a sequence of ones and zeroes into a polymer chain, demonstrating the feasibility of storing and retrieving large amounts of data efficiently.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 28, 2024

Global fleet of undersea robots reveal the phytoplankton hidden beneath the ocean's surface

A global network of Biogeochemical (BGC)-Argo floats provides depth-resolved monitoring of Earth's phytoplankton biomass, revealing 50% of biomass lies beyond satellite detection. The study also shows surface Chla does not accurately predict peak annual biomass timing in two-thirds of the ocean.

SourceDalhousie University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateOct 28, 2024

Magnetic field applied to both sides of brain shows rapid improvement for depression

A magnetic field applied to both sides of the brain has been shown to rapidly treat depression in patients who have not responded to standard treatments. The therapy, known as repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), targets two areas of the brain implicated in depression and corrects imbalances in key processes.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalPsychological Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 28, 2024

Inhaled reliever therapies for asthma

A network meta-analysis of patients with asthma found that inhaled corticosteroid combinations with formoterol and short-acting β agonists significantly reduced asthma exacerbations. These therapies also improved asthma control compared to short-acting β agonist monotherapy.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateOct 28, 2024

Climate, dead zones and fish: Solving a 'wicked problem' in Lake Erie and beyond

A new study suggests that regulations designed to protect Lake Erie's water quality may be too restrictive for some species of fish, but still beneficial until the middle of this century. Researchers recommend a systems-level approach to managing ecosystems, considering tradeoffs between fisheries and water quality objectives.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 28, 2024

AI in healthcare: New research shows promise and limitations of physicians working with GPT-4 for decision making

A study of 50 U.S.-licensed physicians found that GPT-4 did not significantly improve clinical reasoning compared to conventional resources. The integration of GPT-4 as a diagnostic aid alongside clinicians showed promising results but required further exploration to understand its potential benefits.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 28, 2024

Lab-grown pork gets support from sorghum grain

Researchers have created a prototype cultured pork using kafirin proteins isolated from red sorghum grain, expanding the options for lab-grown meats. The resulting product contains more protein and saturated fat but fewer mono- and polyunsaturated fats compared to raw lean pork.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateOct 28, 2024

Climate-driven environmental filtering determines hump-shaped elevation pattern of seed plants beta diversity in central Himalayas

Researchers investigated elevational patterns of seed plant beta diversity and its turnover and nestedness components in the Gyirong Valley. They found a hump-shaped pattern driven by climate variables, with taxonomic and phylogenetic beta diversity being lower than expected. Conservation efforts should prioritize elevations with diffe...

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalPlant Diversity·TypeObservational study·DateOct 28, 2024

Study finds influential textbooks labeled American actions as imperialist, contradicting American exceptionalism

A new study from the University of Kansas found that influential history textbooks in Texas high schools have long argued that America acted as an empire, particularly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The study contradicts the concept of American exceptionalism, which posits that the US is exceptional throughout its history.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalPaedagogica Historica·TypeLiterature review·DateOct 28, 2024

Researchers’ new outreach strategy succeeds, sets blueprint for detecting invasive species in Florida

A targeted outreach initiative in Palm Beach County led to an increase in reported sightings of invasive reptiles, including Nile monitors and Argentine black-and-white tegus. The effort engaged over 112,000 people and resulted in 55 reported sightings, highlighting the effectiveness of community involvement in detecting invasive species.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 28, 2024

Finding a new behavioral adaptation in fruit flies

A team of scientists at the University of Pennsylvania discovered a novel courtship behavior in female Drosophila santomea fruit flies, where they spread their wings to signal receptivity. This finding suggests that neural circuits can be reused and adapted to drive new behaviors, offering insights into the evolution of social communic...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 28, 2024

Evidence mounts for dark energy from black holes

Researchers found evidence that black holes contain dark energy, which could explain its mysterious nature. The Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument provided data showing a correlation between the growth of black holes and the increase in dark energy density over time.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalJournal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics·DateOct 28, 2024

AI algorithm accurately detects heart disease in dogs

A machine learning algorithm developed by University of Cambridge researchers can detect and grade heart murmurs in dogs with high accuracy, similar to expert cardiologists. The technology has the potential to empower primary care veterinarians to provide early detection and treatment, improving quality of life for dogs.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalJournal of Veterinary Internal Medicine·DateOct 28, 2024

Sorghum's bioactive compounds could improve modern diets

Researchers at Hokkaido University discovered unique lipids in sorghum that have anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory properties. The study suggests that incorporating sorghum into diets could promote cardiovascular health, reduce inflammation, and enhance metabolic health.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 28, 2024

When science speaks in extremes

A new study published in JCOM identified the characteristics of polarized scientific digital messages, proposing a system to codify and characterize polarized discourses. The research found that simplifying and presenting scientific information as unquestionable can limit critical thinking and hinder scientific progress.

SourceSissa Medialab·JournalJournal of Science Communication·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 28, 2024

Heart failure mortality declining in Sweden

A new study from Karolinska Institutet reveals a decline in heart failure mortality in Sweden over the last 20 years. Despite improvements, the prognosis for heart failure patients remains concerning, with 25% of those diagnosed in 2022 dying within a year.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalEuropean Journal of Heart Failure·DateOct 28, 2024

Thin skin significantly blunts injury from puncture, study finds

Researchers found that pig skin attached to underlying tissue reduced damage from puncture by about 60% at slower speeds and 73% at higher speeds compared to the same tissue without skin. Synthetic skin offered less protection, reducing the damage by less than 40% at slower speeds and less than 30% at higher speeds.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 28, 2024

Building safer cities with AI: Machine learning model enhances urban resilience against liquefaction

A machine learning model predicts soil behavior during earthquakes, identifying areas vulnerable to liquefaction and providing contour maps for safer construction sites. The study uses geological data to create detailed 3D maps of soil layers, improving prediction accuracy by 20%.

SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·JournalSmart Cities·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 28, 2024

Turning up the signal

Osaka University researchers develop a new method for long-range enhancement of fluorescence and Raman signals using Ag nanoislands protected with column-structured silica layers. This leads to an astonishing ten-million-fold increase in signal strength, making it ideal for sensitive biosensing applications.

SourceOsaka University·JournalLight Science & Applications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 28, 2024

Researchers use genomic technology to investigate aggressive skin cancer linked to burn scars

Researchers used genomic technology to study Marjolin's ulcer, a rare and highly aggressive skin cancer that grows on chronic burn wounds. The study reveals insights into how keratinocytes switch their function to become cancerous, creating a fertile environment for tumor cells to grow and spread.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalJournal of Investigative Dermatology·TypeCase study·DateOct 28, 2024

Breaks in resistance training do not impair long-term development in strength and muscle size

A 10-week break from resistance training had little effect on maximum strength but did affect muscle size. Maximum strength was better preserved than muscle size during the break. With regular progressive training, gym-goers can quickly regain pre-break levels of strength and muscle size.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalScandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports·DateOct 28, 2024

Terasaki Institute researchers develop promising nanoparticle-based approach to obesity treatment

Researchers at Terasaki Institute have developed simvastatin-loaded nanoparticles to target adipose tissue inflammation, promoting fat tissue browning and weight loss. The treatment effectively inhibits obesity-related inflammation, controlled white fat production, and demonstrated strong anti-inflammatory effects.

SourceTerasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation·JournalACS Nano·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 28, 2024

New research highlights economic and employment challenges for parents of medically complex babies

A new study published in JAMA Pediatrics reveals that 30% of parents with a very low birth weight baby have had to make an employment decision due to their child's health and ongoing care needs. Having a medically complex baby often forces parents to consider leaving their job, impacting their health insurance plans and networks.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateOct 28, 2024

What animal societies can teach us about ageing

Research shows that animals, including humans, can become less sociable as they age to avoid diseases and parasites. This phenomenon, known as social ageing, may bring benefits, such as reduced competition and increased safety.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London·TypeLiterature review·DateOct 28, 2024

Layered high-entropy sulfides: Boosting electrocatalytic performance for hydrogen evolution reaction by cocktail effects

The study demonstrates the exceptional efficiency of layered high-entropy sulfides in boosting electrocatalytic performance for hydrogen evolution reaction. The introduction of molybdenum into the composition creates a unique layered structure that increases the material's surface area and enhances its catalytic efficiency.

SourceSongshan Lake Materials Laboratory·JournalMaterials Futures·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 28, 2024