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Science News for September 3, 2024


Wild and human-cared spotted dolphins harbor different gastrointestinal microbiomes

A recent study revealed notable differences in gastrointestinal microbial communities between wild and human-cared spotted dolphins, suggesting that food source variations play a significant role. The findings highlight the importance of understanding marine mammal gut microbiomes and underscore the need for comprehensive future research.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalWater Biology and Security·TypeCase study·DateSep 3, 2024

Air quality impacts racehorse speed, according to new research

A new study by Colorado State University researchers found that horse speed was negatively impacted by concentrations of PM2.5 far below the EPA's current safe limit, highlighting a relationship between air quality and athletic performance in horses. The study's findings could also have implications for better understanding the impact ...

SourceColorado State University·JournalEquine Veterinary Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 3, 2024

Kessler Foundation scientists publish protocol for combining aerobic exercise and cognitive rehabilitation in multiple sclerosis

Researchers at Kessler Foundation develop a new clinical protocol to improve learning and memory in individuals with multiple sclerosis who have mobility disability. The study combines aerobic exercise with virtual reality and cognitive rehabilitation, showing potential synergistic effects on cognitive improvements.

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalContemporary Clinical Trials·DateSep 3, 2024

Researchers discover mechanism that could control longevity, cancer cell production

Researchers at UC Merced used fruit flies to uncover a cellular process that could impact the understanding of cancer and aging. They discovered a mechanism that cells use to tune how much protein they make through the process of translating RNA into protein, which can affect longevity and cancer cell production.

SourceUniversity of California - Merced·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateSep 3, 2024

A whale of a tail: Unraveling the evolutionary secrets of how whales and dolphins adapted their backbones for aquatic life

Researchers found that cetaceans' backbones are highly regionalized, with a shift in vertebral column driving locomotion in aquatic environments. The team developed a computational software, MorphoRegions, to analyze the backbone of each specimen individually.

Eating fish but not omega-3 supplements during pregnancy associated with lower likelihood of autism diagnosis, NIH-funded study finds

A new study funded by the National Institutes of Health found that consuming fish during pregnancy was associated with a lower likelihood of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis, particularly in females. The study also found no significant association between omega-3 supplements and autism diagnosis.

SourceEnvironmental influences on Child Health Outcomes·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·TypeObservational study·DateSep 3, 2024

New species of pāua found

A new species of pāua, Haliotis pirimoana, has been discovered on the Manawatāwhi Three Kings Islands. The discovery sheds light on the region's unique biodiversity and the need for conservation efforts.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalMolluscan Research·TypeCase study·DateSep 3, 2024

Study: Individuals with pre-existing disabilities had long COVID and much higher rates than peers

A new study from the University of Kansas reveals that individuals with pre-existing disabilities are more than twice as likely to develop long COVID. The research found that chronic illnesses and mental illness/psychiatric disabilities were the most common types of disabilities among those experiencing long COVID.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·TypeSurvey·DateSep 3, 2024

No link found between popular diabetes medication and suicide

A large-scale study in Sweden and Denmark found no clear link between the use of GLP-1 analogues and an increased risk of suicide or self-harm. The research analyzed data from over 300,000 adults treated with the medication, concluding that it is reassuring to see no apparent increase in suicidal thoughts or behaviors.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateSep 3, 2024

“Artificial intelligence will play an increasing role in scientific publications”

Artificial intelligence (AI) is set to revolutionize scientific publication by assisting editors in selecting impactful papers and reviewing manuscripts. AI will help increase the influence of journals by providing an initial 'score' for articles, making triaging faster and more objective.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalEuropean Journal of Emergency Medicine·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateSep 3, 2024

Technological innovations and stakeholder collaboration in research can enhance the daily lives of people living with aphasia

Research collaborations between academics, clinicians, and individuals with aphasia aim to bridge the digital divide and develop accessible technology. The special issue showcases innovative approaches to aphasia research, assessment, intervention, and participation.

SourceIOS Press·JournalAdvances in Communication and Swallowing·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 3, 2024

Medicaid Accountable Care Organizations may increase care engagement and quality among pregnant and postpartum patients

A new study found that Medicaid Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) in Massachusetts increased prenatal and postpartum office visits, postpartum depression screenings, and timely postpartum care. This value-based model of care addressed inequities in healthcare access for pregnant and postpartum people covered by Medicaid.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalHealth Affairs·TypeObservational study·DateSep 3, 2024

Targeted cancer therapies: Getting radioactive atoms to accumulate in tumors

Researchers developed a novel compound to target prostate cancer using radioactive atom astatine-211, potentially overcoming issues with previous compounds like deastatination. The study found high accumulation in tumors and low accumulation in vital organs, highlighting the potential of this new compound for targeted alpha therapy.

SourceChiba University·JournalEJNMMI Radiopharmacy and Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 3, 2024

The apple's battle plan: Unraveling the molecular response to fungal infections

A new study uncovers the molecular mechanisms behind apple susceptibility to Glomerella leaf spot, a severe fungal disease impacting yields. The research identifies critical regulatory components, including MdVQ17 and WRKY proteins, that drive disease vulnerability by promoting salicylic acid degradation and pectin lyase activity.

Insulin cells don’t need to team up

Researchers found that adult mice with only beta cells have better glycaemic balance and insulin sensitivity than standard animals. Non-beta cells are not essential for maintaining blood sugar levels, contradicting the prevailing conception.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Metabolism·TypeNews article·DateSep 3, 2024

Learning like a teenager

Researchers led by Daniela Vallentin successfully rewired zebra finches' brains using optogenetics, expanding their vocal repertoire. The findings have implications for human aging and potential therapies for neurodegenerative diseases and learning impairments.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 3, 2024

Women, Black people, and disadvantaged less likely to get heart surgery in England

Research published in the journal Heart found that women, Black people, and those from low-income households are less likely to be offered heart surgery than men, White people, and affluent individuals. When they do receive surgery, they are more likely to die within a year. The study highlights the need for prompt action to tackle the...

SourceBMJ Group·JournalHeart·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 3, 2024

Generation and multiplexing of double-polarized terahertz vortex combs

The researchers successfully generated dual-polarized terahertz vortex combs by designing a polarization-multiplexed meta-atoms structure and controlling the mode number, position, and interval of the vortex combs. This achievement promotes the development of ultra-high-capacity terahertz multi-mode communication technology.

How zebrafish map their environment

Researchers have found evidence for place cells in zebrafish brains, allowing them to create internal maps of their environment. The brain region, telencephalon, is also thought to be analogous to the mammalian hippocampus and plays a key role in spatial orientation, social networks, and memory.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateSep 3, 2024

Can technology turn exercise pain into pleasure?

Researchers at the University of Bath have developed sensors that track physical changes experienced by exercisers while using VR headsets, allowing game designers to create immersive programs that adapt to a person's abilities and mood. This technology aims to increase user engagement and adherence to exercise.

SourceUniversity of Bath·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 3, 2024

Minimal ADHD risk from prenatal cannabis use new study reveals

A new systematic review and meta-analysis found a slight increase in ADHD risk and heightened vulnerability to cannabis consumption in children exposed to cannabis in utero. The study suggests caution when it comes to cannabis use during pregnancy, highlighting the need for continued research into long-term effects.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 3, 2024

Novel green chemistry: A safe, low-cost, and eco-friendly conversion process for the synthesis of sulfonyl fluorides, a world first!

A research group from Osaka University has developed a novel green chemistry method to synthesize sulfonyl fluorides efficiently and with minimal environmental impact. This process uses easily accessible raw materials, thiols and disulfides, and produces only non-toxic sodium and potassium salts as byproducts.

SourceOsaka University·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 3, 2024

New machine learning model offers simple solution to predicting crop yield

A new machine-learning model developed by a University of Arkansas student improves upon existing genotype-by-environmental interaction models, achieving higher prediction accuracy. The model uses feature engineering to process environmental data, leading to a 7% improvement in mean prediction accuracy.

SourceUniversity of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture·JournalTheoretical and Applied Genetics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 3, 2024

How do new words arise in social media?

Researchers analyzed 650 million tweets to identify new words and tracked their adoption. Words used by central users persisted longer, while those with less central positions had a rapid rise and decline. The study reveals the predictive power of social network position in shaping language.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Complex Systems·TypeObservational study·DateSep 3, 2024

Think simpler, flow faster

Researchers have developed a novel approach using deep learning to accelerate the solution of Navier-Stokes equations, a set of classical equations that describe fluid dynamics. The team's method achieved inference latencies of just 7 milliseconds per input, outperforming traditional finite difference methods.

SourceIntelligent Computing·JournalIntelligent Computing·DateSep 3, 2024

Natural selection may create inter-species exploitation

A modeling study suggests that one-sided interspecies cooperation can emerge and persist over time, with only one species benefiting. The authors use evolutionary game theory and the prisoner's dilemma to model this phenomenon, finding that natural selection may favor asymmetric states where one species exploits another.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateSep 3, 2024

New approach can help detect and predict mental health symptoms in adolescents by analyzing brain-environment interactions

A new study using manifold learning and signal processing techniques identifies a significant correlation between adolescent brain activity and mental health symptoms. The approach, called exogenous PHATE, combines brain activation data with environmental variables to improve detection of existing symptoms and predict future ones.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 3, 2024

Pregnancy-related heart failure is under-detected; AI-enabled stethoscope helped doctors diagnose twice as many cases

A study at the European Society of Cardiology Congress found that an AI-enabled digital stethoscope helped doctors identify twice as many cases of pregnancy-related heart failure compared to a control group. The tool was 12 times more likely to flag heart pump weakness, leading to better diagnosis and potentially life-saving treatment.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalNature Medicine·DateSep 3, 2024

Penn study finds taking semaglutide for weight management does not increase risk of depression or suicidal behavior in people without known major psychopathology

A new Penn study analyzing data from over 3,500 participants in clinical trials found no increased risk of depressive symptoms, suicidal thoughts, or suicidal behavior among individuals taking semaglutide for weight management. The study's findings provide assurance that the medication does not increase the risk of mental health issues...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateSep 3, 2024

PARP1 selective inhibitor yields potent and durable antitumor activity in patient-derived preclinical models

Researchers found saruparib to be superior and durable in treating PDX models with BRCA1/2 alterations, outperforming olaparib in terms of complete response rate and progression-free survival. The study's results suggest the promise of PARP1 selective inhibitors as a new therapeutic option for patients with advanced solid tumors.

SourceVall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology·JournalGenome Medicine·DateSep 3, 2024

Can’t stop belching? Dietary habits or disease could be the reason

A survey of 10,000 Japanese adults found that belching disorders are more prevalent in men who drink alcohol and take acid reflux medications. The study also identified factors such as eating until feeling full and low chewing frequency as significant contributors to the development of belching disorders.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalThe American Journal of Gastroenterology·TypeObservational study·DateSep 3, 2024

People eating beef are less likely to live near the industry’s pollution, Pitt researchers found

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh mapped nitrogen losses county by county, finding high spatial disconnects between where beef is eaten and where nitrogen impacts are felt. This disconnect results in people living far from the area where their beef was produced experiencing negative environmental effects.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 3, 2024

Double the DNA, double the oil: Unraveling the impact of genome duplication on oil crops

A recent study reveals that whole genome duplications significantly enhance oil content in oil crops, providing a promising strategy for increasing vegetable oil yields. The findings highlight the crucial role of WGDs in driving the evolution of oil biosynthetic genes and supporting the adaptation and productivity of oil crops.

A unified objective for dynamics model and policy learning in model-based reinforcement learning

Researchers proposed a unified objective for dynamics model and policy learning in model-based reinforcement learning, achieving higher sample efficiency and better performance. The Model Gradient algorithm outperforms existing methods in multiple continuous control tasks, especially in sparse reward tasks.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Computer Science·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 3, 2024

HSE scientists propose using heart rate analysis to diagnose anxiety and depression

A study by HSE University scientists found that changes in heart rate can serve as an early biomarker for anxiety and depressive disorders. The research used PPG technology to analyze heart function during cognitive tasks, revealing more pronounced changes in individuals with higher levels of anxiety or depression.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalFrontiers in Psychiatry·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 3, 2024

New tool detects fake, AI-produced scientific articles

A machine-learning algorithm called xFakeSci has been developed to detect AI-generated scientific articles, with a success rate of nearly 94%. The tool analyzes word patterns and bigrams to distinguish between real and fake papers, highlighting the need for comprehensive detection methods as AIs become increasingly sophisticated.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 3, 2024

AI tool offers more accurate detection of immune-related adverse events in cancer patients

A Mass General Brigham-led study found that a large language model improves the accuracy of immune-related adverse event detection, identifying additional cases not picked up by manual adjudication. The model demonstrated excellent specificity and sensitivity, opening up opportunities for collaboration among institutions.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 3, 2024

How gene regulation changes over a lifetime

Researchers found that control of most genes doesn't deteriorate with age, but coordination between cellular processes becomes less effective. The study suggests a more complex approach to understanding aging is needed, analyzing all genes simultaneously and their protein interactions.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalNature Aging·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 3, 2024

New study uncovers key mechanisms responsible for the transformation of adult progenitors into brain tumors

A new study from the CUNY Graduate Center uncovers key mechanisms responsible for the transformation of adult progenitor cells into brain tumors. Researchers found that a specific combination of genetic mutations and growth factor overproduction drives this transformation, highlighting the importance of epigenetic changes in glioma dev...

SourceAdvanced Science Research Center, GC/CUNY·JournalNeoplasia·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 3, 2024

Explaining the mechanism of social evolution driven by gift giving

A new study explores the mechanism of social evolution driven by gift giving, revealing four phases with different distribution shapes of wealth and social reputation. The emergence of strong disparities is attributed to the rich-get-richer process, while band societies have less economic inequality.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Complex Systems·DateSep 3, 2024

Sulfurous acid H2SO3 - and it does exist

Researchers at TROPOS in Leipzig have demonstrated the existence of sulfurous acid (H2SO3) under atmospheric conditions for the first time. The compound was formed through a reaction between OH radicals and dimethyl sulfide, and its stability was shown to be sufficient for half a minute under experimental conditions.

SourceLeibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research (TROPOS)·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 3, 2024

From cavities to sleep apnea: dentists can assume new role in saving lives

Rutgers researchers suggest dentists play a crucial role in identifying and addressing sleep disorders, citing signs such as tooth grinding, tongue scalloping, or patients dozing off. With up to 80% accuracy, dental clinicians can identify at-risk patients with comprehensive care and prevent serious health complications.

SourceRutgers University·JournalThe Journal of the American Dental Association·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 3, 2024

Assorted, distinctive behavior of molten uranium salt revealed by neutrons

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have documented the chemistry dynamics and structure of high-temperature liquid uranium trichloride (UCl3) salt, a potential nuclear fuel source for next-generation reactors. The study used neutron scattering techniques to reveal details about the nature of materials, including the bonding d...

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 3, 2024

How to solve the challenges faced by the carbon sequestration function of Chinese plantations in the future?

China's plantation area is under pressure due to reduced afforestation space and quality issues, but has a large carbon sequestration potential. Experts suggest promoting land greening, improving forest management, optimizing plantation structure, and strengthening supervision to address these challenges.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Agricultural Science and Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 3, 2024

Rising temperatures in Africa may increase perinatal deaths

A study published in Nature Medicine reveals a correlation between high temperatures in the final week of pregnancy and an increased risk of stillbirth and early neonatal mortality. High temperatures were associated with a 34% higher risk of perinatal death, which doubled during the six hottest months of the year.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateSep 3, 2024

Biologists at HSE University warn of potential errors in microRNA overexpression method

Researchers at HSE University discovered that the microRNA overexpression method may produce incorrect results due to errors in Dicer enzyme cleavage. This can lead to the formation of miRNA isoforms that target unintended genes, resulting in inaccurate conclusions about molecular mechanisms.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalBiochimica et Biophysica Acta·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 3, 2024