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Science News for September 11, 2024


Hot streets, historic bias: effects on neighborhood walking in older adults

A study by Florida Atlantic University found that neighborhoods with poorer redlining scores have higher peak summer temperatures and reduced neighborhood walking time for older adults. However, affluent neighborhoods with more favorable built environments showed reduced walking in extreme heat due to alternative transportation options.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalJournal of Urban Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 11, 2024

Laughter may be as effective as drops for dry eyes

Researchers found that laughter exercise improved dry eye disease symptoms and clinical signs, such as ocular surface discomfort and tear break-up time, comparable to eye drops. Laughter therapy also showed benefits in mental health scores.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 11, 2024

One of world’s fastest ocean currents is remarkably stable, study finds

A recent study has found that the Florida Current, a key component of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), has remained remarkably stable over the past four decades. The researchers used measurements from a decommissioned submarine cable and hydrographic surveys to correct for changes in the geomagnetic field.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateSep 11, 2024

New look at stroke response: Mobile physicians

Researchers found that bringing specialists to rural patients through mobile physicians provides faster treatment and better outcomes for stroke cases treated with mechanical thrombectomy. The study's findings suggest that transferring physicians can significantly prolong patient transfer times due to complexity and coordination issues.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·TypeSystematic review·DateSep 11, 2024

How do human and dog interactions affect the brain?

New research reveals that human-dog interactions synchronize brain activity, particularly in the frontal and parietal regions. Dogs with autism-associated genetic mutations show reduced synchronization, but treatment with LSD reverses this effect.

SourceWiley·JournalAdvanced Science·DateSep 11, 2024

Risky play in childhood exercises an ancestral need to push limits

Dartmouth anthropologists argue that jungle gyms and monkey bars are essential for childhood development, allowing children to build resilience and confidence through risk-taking play. The research cites fossil evidence showing early humans spent extensive time in trees, and modern nonhuman primates exhibit similar climbing skills.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalEvolution Medicine and Public Health·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 11, 2024

Exposure to air pollution during pregnancy increases postpartum depression risk for at least three years, study finds

Researchers found that women exposed to higher levels of nitrogen dioxide and inhalable particulate matter during the second trimester face an almost fourfold increased risk of postpartum depression. The study also discovered a sustained effect of air pollution on symptoms of depression for up to three years after birth.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 11, 2024

“Fussy” molecules prefer one direction over the other

Scientists from Osaka University have created a new class of materials, called chiral bifacial indacenodithiophene-based π-conjugated polymers, that can selectively interact with electrical currents in different polarities. These films exhibit strong spin polarization, making them promising for applications in spintronics and clean ene...

SourceOsaka University·JournalChemical Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 11, 2024

Turning seawater into fresh water through solar power

Researchers have designed an energy-efficient device to produce drinking water from seawater using solar power, addressing the critical need for clean water in coastal nations. The new technology can continuously desalinate water without major maintenance, producing up to 20 litres of fresh water per square meter.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 11, 2024

Researchers achieve efficient electro-oxidation of glycerol to formate under room temperature

A new Cu-doped NiCo alloy catalyst has been developed for efficient electro-oxidation of glycerol to formate, achieving high selectivity and activity at room temperature. The catalyst reduces the energy barrier and increases the Faraday efficiency for formate production.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateSep 11, 2024

Light pollution a new Alzheimer’s risk factor

New research from Rush University Medical Center finds an association between outdoor light exposure at night and Alzheimer's disease prevalence in those under 65. The study suggests that higher nighttime light intensity may disrupt the body's natural sleep-wake pattern, leading to increased inflammation and disease risk.

SourceRush University Medical Center·JournalFrontiers in Neuroscience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 11, 2024

Influencers promoting sustainable lifestyles on social media should be differently regulated, study says

A new study recommends that influencers promoting sustainable lifestyles on social media be differently regulated to better protect consumers. The current EU consumer protection measures are inadequate, and the proposed changes would provide more legal certainty and facilitate additional training for content creators.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Consumer Policy·TypeSystematic review·DateSep 11, 2024

Microorganisms can travel long distances in the troposphere

A recent study by ISGlobal found a vast range of viable bacteria and fungi transported by air masses from northeast China to Japan, some potentially pathogenic to humans. The research team identified over 266 fungal and 305 bacterial genera in aerosol samples, including species resistant to commonly used antibiotics.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateSep 11, 2024

Revolutionary tubular scaffolds boost stem cell-driven bone regeneration in skull defects

Scientists from Sun Yat-sen University developed groundbreaking tubular scaffolds made from electrospun membranes that enhance bone regeneration in critical skull defects. The scaffolds mimic natural bone structures and provide an optimal microenvironment for adipose-derived stem cells to thrive, accelerating healing.

SourceSongshan Lake Materials Laboratory·JournalMaterials Futures·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 11, 2024

Rapid control of blood sugar levels in women with gestational diabetes can reverse the risk of their children developing obesity, US study finds

A new US study found that rapidly controlling blood sugar levels in women with gestational diabetes can significantly reduce the risk of their children developing obesity. The study analyzed data from over 258,000 women and their children, revealing a strong correlation between maternal blood sugar control and childhood obesity risk.

Throat problems could impair autonomic nervous system's ability to regulate blood pressure

Researchers found that patients with throat symptoms had reduced baroreflex sensitivity and higher resting heart rates compared to those without symptoms. The study suggests that throat problems can have a significant impact on autonomic nervous system function, potentially leading to long-term survival risks.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalJAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery·DateSep 11, 2024

Groundbreaking achievement: NSF Daniel K. Inouye solar telescope produces its first magnetic field maps of the sun’s corona

The NSF Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope successfully produced its first detailed maps of the Sun's coronal magnetic fields, a breakthrough in solar physics. This achievement enhances our understanding of space weather and its impact on Earth's technology-dependent society, which is crucial for safeguarding infrastructure.

SourceAssociation of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA)·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateSep 11, 2024

Smartphone-based microscope rapidly reconstructs 3D holograms

A new smartphone-based digital holographic microscope enables precise 3D measurements and has potential applications in medical diagnostics, education, and resource-limited settings. The portable device uses a simple optical system created with a 3D printer and calculates reconstructions based on a smartphone.

SourceOptica·JournalApplied Optics·DateSep 11, 2024

Study offers hope for the resilience of the American lobster fishery

A recent study by researchers at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science found that female American lobsters groom their offspring without significant impact from temperature and acidity levels forecasted for Maine's coastal waters. This behavior is crucial in other crustaceans, but its importance for the lobster species remains uncle...

SourceVirginia Institute of Marine Science·JournalMarine Ecology Progress Series·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 11, 2024

Recognize the effects of serious assault on victims’ families, new study urges

A new study from City St George's University of London found that approximately 1 in 20 adults are closely related to someone who has been the victim of a serious assault. These 'indirect victims' face numerous health challenges, including mental health issues such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The study sugg...

SourceCity St George’s, University of London·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 11, 2024

Pesticide residue concerns highlighted by fruits and vegetables consumers in five countries, new study reveals

A new study reveals that pesticide residue concerns are the most frequently cited source of food safety fears amongst consumers in Bangladesh, Ghana, Kenya, Pakistan and Uganda. Consumers who express concerns with pesticides are more likely to demand fruits and vegetables from specialist shops and avoid those from street hawkers.

SourceCABI·JournalGlobal Food Security·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 11, 2024

Risk of secondary cancers after CAR T therapy may be similar to risk after other cancer treatments

A systematic review and meta-analysis found that CAR T-cell therapy patients developed second primary malignancies at a similar rate as those receiving standard-of-care therapies. Studies with patients who received more prior lines of treatment showed higher SPM rates, while longer follow-up times may indicate survivorship bias.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateSep 11, 2024

Natural disasters endanger 10% of the world’s terrestrial vertebrate species

A study published in PNAS estimates that over 3,000 species are at risk of extinction due to earthquakes, hurricanes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions. The researchers found that 42% of these species live in regions where one or more of the four natural hazards have occurred in the past 50 years.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 11, 2024

Concept neurons are the building blocks of memory

A study by Bonn researchers confirms the important function of concept neurons in working memory and predicts correct memorization. The activation of these neurons during the working memory phase can also be used to predict whether a test subject will correctly remember an image that has already been shown.

SourceUniversitatsklinikum Bonn·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 11, 2024

Large-scale population analysis confirms reassuring safety profile of tirzepatide

A large-scale population analysis confirms tirzepatide's similar gastrointestinal tolerability to other GLP-1 medications without increased risk of diabetic retinopathy, medullary thyroid cancer, or pancreatitis. Researchers analyzed real-world evidence from the FDA adverse event reporting system database and found that tirzepatide has...

SourceDiabetologia·JournalJournal of Endocrinological Investigation·DateSep 11, 2024

Single dose of mpox vaccine effective in preventing infection, study finds

A single dose of the Modified vaccinia Ankara-Bavarian Nordic (MVA-BN) vaccine was found to be 58% effective in preventing mpox infection in a recent study published in BMJ. The study used real-world health data to estimate the vaccine's effectiveness against mpox infection and included over 3,200 men who received the MVA-BN vaccine.

SourceInstitute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences·JournalBMJ·TypeObservational study·DateSep 11, 2024

Study reveals increased risks of premature mortality associated with both spontaneous and induced abortions

A new study published in Health Data Science reveals that both spontaneous and induced abortions are associated with an increased risk of premature mortality. The research found that induced abortions were strongly linked to cardiovascular death, while spontaneous abortions also elevated the risk of all-cause premature mortality.

SourceHealth Data Science·JournalHealth Data Science·DateSep 11, 2024

Avian flu found in wastewater of 10 Texas cities through virome sequencing by researchers at UTHealth Houston and Baylor College of Medicine

The study found H5N1 virus detected in 10 out of 10 cities and 22 out of 23 sites, but no correlation with hospitalizations. The team used viral probe capture to detect viruses in wastewater samples, revealing animal origins of the virus load

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateSep 11, 2024

“It feels like I'm moving my own hand”. A research team from the Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna in Pisa has developed the prosthesis of the future, the first in the world with magnetic control

A research team has created a magnetically controlled prosthetic hand allowing users to replicate movements by thinking and apply force when grasping objects. The system involves implanting small magnets into the muscles of the forearm, enabling everyday activities like opening jars and picking up coins.

SourceSant’Anna School of Advanced Studies, Pisa·JournalScience Robotics·TypeCase study·DateSep 11, 2024

Ancient DNA from Rapa Nui (Easter Island) refutes best-selling population collapse theory

A new study challenges the long-held 'ecocide' theory of Rapanui population collapse by analyzing ancient DNA from 15 individuals. The research found no evidence of a dramatic population collapse in the 1600s, instead revealing a stable and growing population until European contact in the 18th century.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalNature·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 11, 2024

Progress in tracking electrochemical CO2 reduction intermediates over single-atom catalysts by operando ATR-SEIRAS

A review article discusses the application of operando ATR-SEIRAS in studying electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction mechanisms and surface-enhanced infrared spectroscopy. The technique helps understand reaction intermediates, catalyst performance, and local pH at the electrode.

Bee antidote to deadly pesticides shows promise

A study published in Nature Sustainability has found an antidote to neonicotinoids, a class of pesticides killing bees. The treatment involves tiny ingestible microparticles that physically bind to the pesticide, leading to 30% higher survival rates and reduced symptoms in bumblebees.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Sustainability·DateSep 11, 2024

Cooling positronium with lasers

Positronium, an exotic atom composed of an electron and a positron, has been cooled to just 1 degree above absolute zero. This achievement could aid in studying the properties of antimatter and potentially unlock secrets of the universe.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 11, 2024

Keeping mold out of future space stations

A new study suggests a novel way to prevent mold growth on future space stations by understanding the exposures that happen in the space environment. Repeated elevated humidity exposures can lead to rapid microbial growth and composition changes in dust, making it easier for microbes to thrive.

SourceOhio State University·JournalMicrobiome·DateSep 11, 2024

Study: Cloud cover reduced by large-scale deforestation

Deforestation leads to decreased cloud cover, which partially offsets surface albedo change's cooling effect on climate. Researchers analyzed idealized deforestation simulations using climate models to provide insights into the impact of large-scale deforestation on global low-level and tropical high-level clouds.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 11, 2024

Biogeochemistry scientists from around the world, led by the ASC's Margenot, publish position paper on tackling “hidden” phosphorus

Researchers developed a comprehensive roadmap to measure legacy phosphorus accumulation in soils. They identified key priorities and non-priorities, providing a unified vision for future phosphorus use. The study found that accumulated phosphorus is often located in the top 12 inches of soil and transforms into different forms than whe...

Sterilization rates among women rose after supreme court abortion ruling

Surgical sterilization rates increased significantly among women in the US following the Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Supreme Court decision, with a notable rise in states where abortion access was limited or banned. Researchers found that tubal sterilization remained an irreversible method of contraception despite changing state laws.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalJAMA·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 11, 2024

Communicating a slow-motion health catastrophe

A special issue of the Journal of Health Communication highlights climate change communication challenges, including misinformation, disinformation, and complex nature of climate events. The issue offers strategies for overcoming these challenges through interdisciplinary research on communication strategies, media, message understandi...

SourceCUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy·JournalJournal of Health Communication·DateSep 11, 2024

Shorter-course radiation better option for breast cancer patients than conventional schedule

A new study published in The BMJ found that shorter-course radiation therapy is safer and more convenient for breast cancer patients than conventional schedules. Moderate hypofractionation reduced the risk of acute radiation dermatitis by 46% compared to conventional fractionation, while also improving cosmesis and quality of life.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·TypeSystematic review·DateSep 11, 2024

JunoCam spots new volcano on active Io

A new volcano has been discovered on Jupiter's moon Io through analysis of JunoCam images, featuring multiple lava flows and volcanic deposits. The volcano is located just south of the equator and showcases the moon's ongoing geological activity.

Bald eagles face highest lead risk of New York deer scavengers

A new study from Cornell University and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation reveals bald eagles are most vulnerable to lead poisoning from bullet fragments, with many species at risk due to scavenging deer carcasses. The researchers used bald eagles as a bioindicator for ongoing monitoring of lead hazards.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Wildlife Management·DateSep 11, 2024

An ancient Neanderthal lineage remained isolated from other populations for over 50,000 years—up until the species extinction

A fossilized Neanderthal, nicknamed 'Thorin', lived in a small isolated community for over 50,000 years before the species' extinction. The discovery reveals two distinct Neanderthal populations coexisted without exchanging genes, challenging previous assumptions about their population structure.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Genomics·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 11, 2024

Novel deep learning model developed for battery lifespan prediction

A novel deep learning model, DS-ViT-ESA, was developed to predict lithium battery lifespan with high accuracy using only a small amount of charging cycle data. The model achieved low prediction errors even when tested on unseen charging strategies, demonstrating its zero-shot generalization capability.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalIEEE Transactions on Transportation Electrification·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateSep 11, 2024

Relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning varies significantly across different spatial scales

A recent study found that biodiversity-biomass relationships are influenced by tree mycorrhizal associations and stand structural diversity at different spatial scales. The research, published in Forest Ecosystems, emphasizes the importance of considering environmental conditions and structural diversity in understanding scale-dependen...

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalForest Ecosystems·DateSep 11, 2024

Obesity treatments being restricted by cash poor local services

Across England, nearly half of patients struggle to get appointments with specialist teams for weight loss support and care. Bariatric surgery services are also severely limited, affecting over one in five local health areas. Experts warn that without radical action, obesity prevalence and costs will continue to rise.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·TypeNews article·DateSep 11, 2024

Long-course radiotherapy is better than short-course for organ preservation in rectal cancer

A new study published in Annals of Oncology found that long-course radiotherapy is safer and more effective than short-course radiotherapy for preserving organs in rectal cancer patients. The treatment was shown to prevent regrowth of the primary tumour, but had similar overall survival rates.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·JournalAnnals of Oncology·TypeObservational study·DateSep 11, 2024

A photonics breakthrough: Printing 3D photonic crystals that completely block light

Researchers at Singapore University of Technology and Design have successfully printed 3D photonic crystals using titanium resin, achieving a complete photonic bandgap across the visible spectrum. This breakthrough enables precise control of light, opening up possibilities for advancements in telecommunications, sensing, and quantum te...

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateSep 11, 2024

Chinese Medical Journal Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine study explores nicotine dependence among smokers in China

A recent study published in the Chinese Medical Journal Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine investigated nicotine dependence among smokers in China. The research found that 41.0% of smokers aged 40 and above had medium-to-high nicotine dependence, with men more affected than women.

SourceChinese Medical Journals Publishing House Co., Ltd.·JournalChinese Medical Journal - Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine·TypeSurvey·DateSep 11, 2024

Pusan National University researchers propose a novel compact meta-silencer design

Researchers propose a novel compact meta-silencer design leveraging acoustic black hole and rainbow trapping effects to reduce low-frequency noise. The study demonstrates improved performance with coiled-up slits, achieving an average sound transmission loss of 6.73 dB across a broad frequency band.

SourcePusan National University·JournalMechanical Systems and Signal Processing·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 11, 2024