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Science News for September 6, 2024


Designing a normative neuroimaging library to support diagnosis of traumatic brain injury

A new library of healthy participants' neuroimaging data has been created to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of traumatic brain injury (TBI). The Normative Neuroimaging Library consists of data from approximately 1900 individuals, providing a comprehensive dataset for clinicians and researchers.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Neurotrauma·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 6, 2024

Unlocking the secrets of diamond: new insights into nitrogen-vacancy center formation

Researchers have demonstrated a novel method to increase the density and depth of nitrogen-vacancy centers in type-Ib diamonds through controlled temperature and orientation. This study advances our understanding of diamond materials and opens up new possibilities for cutting-edge scientific and technological applications.

SourceSongshan Lake Materials Laboratory·JournalMaterials Futures·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 6, 2024

5 lessons to level up conservation successfully

A new study by Imperial College London identifies key trade-offs between effectiveness and scalability in conservation programs. The lessons highlight the importance of balancing program expansion with effective implementation, considering scale-dependent effects on conservation outcomes.

SourceImperial College London·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateSep 6, 2024

Tracking depression

A team led by Weiying Lin created a molecular probe that selectively detects serotonin, a key player in depression. The study suggests that the ability of neurons to release serotonin is more critical than serotonin levels themselves.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 6, 2024

Quality assurance in histopathology laboratories

Histopathology laboratories implement Quality Control (QC) and Quality Assurance (QA) programs to minimize errors and ensure accurate test reports. The pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical phases of the testing cycle are critical in minimizing errors and ensuring seamless diagnostic processes.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalJournal of Clinical and Translational Pathology·DateSep 6, 2024

In search of new microscopy tools to observe how cells function

Scientists at the University of Utah's Department of Chemistry developed a new contrast agent that allows for the simultaneous observation of cell structure and function in electron microscopy. The discovery could improve imaging tools used to study signaling in functioning cells and other molecular-scale processes.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeObservational study·DateSep 6, 2024

Photonic topological phase transition achieved by material phase transition

A team of researchers from NTT Corporation and Tokyo Institute of Technology has successfully achieved photonic topological phase transition by material phase transition. This breakthrough demonstrates the possibility to change the photonic topological phase in a reconfigurable manner, paving the way for novel research fields and promi...

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 6, 2024

Massive merger: study reveals evidence for origin of supermassive black hole at galaxy’s center

UNLV astrophysicists found evidence suggesting the supermassive black hole at the center of our Milky Way galaxy, Sgr A*, is likely the result of a past cosmic merger. The study utilized data from the Event Horizon Telescope's 2022 observation of Sgr A* to investigate various growth models and demonstrated that the misaligned spin prop...

SourceUniversity of Nevada, Las Vegas·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeObservational study·DateSep 6, 2024

Being able to see inside a flow battery

Researchers at Eindhoven University of Technology, in collaboration with MIT and PSI, developed a new method to visualize the inner workings of redox flow batteries using neutron imaging. The technique provides extraordinary moving images that help understand the battery's performance and durability.

SourceEindhoven University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 6, 2024

Disparity in access to medications for opioid use disorder persist in criminal legal settings

A study found that only six states successfully delivered medications for opioid use disorder to at least 50% of people referred to treatment by the criminal legal system. This disparity leads to a high risk of overdose death among individuals leaving jails and prisons, highlighting the need for better access to effective treatments.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalJAMA Health Forum·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 6, 2024

Solving the side effect problem of siRNA drugs for genetic disease treatment using formamide

Researchers at Nagoya University have developed a method to chemically alter siRNAs, reducing off-target effects and improving the safety of siRNA drugs for genetic therapy. By modifying the seed region of siRNAs with formamide, they achieved suppression of off-target effects with higher efficiency than existing chemical modifications.

SourceNagoya University·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateSep 6, 2024

Altered blood markers detected in individuals with periodontitis

Researchers at Umeå University have identified unique inflammatory protein profiles in the blood of individuals with severe periodontitis, which is associated with lower levels of EGF and OLR-1 proteins. The study provides a promising lead for developing biomarkers and treatments for the disease.

SourceUmea University·JournalJournal of Dental Research·TypeObservational study·DateSep 6, 2024

Researchers create a one-dimensional gas out of light

Physicists at the University of Bonn and Kaiserslautern-Landau created a one-dimensional gas out of light, allowing for the first time to test theoretical predictions about its transition into an exotic state of matter. The method used in the experiment could be used to examine quantum effects.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 6, 2024

nTIDE September 2024 Jobs Report: Gains in employment for people with disabilities appear to level off after reducing gaps with non-disabled workers

According to the nTIDE September 2024 Jobs Report, employment and labor force participation trends for people with disabilities have leveled off after several years of growth. This decline in employment is similar to the trend observed between 2016 and 2018. The employment-to-population ratio for people with disabilities decreased from...

Cognitive behavioral therapy enhances brain circuits to relieve depression

A new study found that cognitive behavioral therapy can alter brain circuitry in adults with depression and obesity, leading to improved problem-solving skills and reduced symptoms. After just two months of therapy, patients showed adaptive changes in their brain circuits, which predicted long-term therapy success.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 6, 2024

‘Some pterosaurs would flap, others would soar’ – new study further confirms the flight capability of these giants of the skies

Scientists have discovered that some pterosaurs flew by flapping their wings while others soared like vultures. The new findings were made possible by the discovery of remarkably well-preserved fossils in Jordan, including a species with a five-meter wingspan and unique internal structures.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalJournal of Vertebrate Paleontology·TypeImaging analysis·DateSep 6, 2024

How microbial communities emerge

Researchers at Swansea University have created a new framework to understand how complex bacterial communities form associations with multicellular hosts. The study aims to provide a holistic picture of microbiome assembly and its importance in the persistence of both host and microbiome.

SourceSwansea University·JournalTrends in Microbiology·DateSep 6, 2024

High sensitivity high throughput biosensor measures metabolite levels that indicate disease

Researchers at Kanazawa University developed a biosensor that improves sensitivity to 1-methylnicotinamide (1-MNA) in urine by orders of magnitude, allowing for earlier detection of diseases such as cancer and liver disease. The biosensor has high throughput capabilities, making it suitable for screening potential NNMT inhibitors.

Atoms on the edge

Researchers at MIT have directly observed edge states in a cloud of ultracold atoms, capturing images of atoms flowing along a boundary without resistance. This discovery could enable super-efficient energy transmission and data transfer in materials.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Physics·DateSep 6, 2024

Jellyfish under attack!

Scientists discovered a new parasitic relationship where sea anemones infect jellyfish through comb jellies, breaking evolutionary norms. This finding highlights the adaptability of parasites in rapidly changing marine ecosystems under climate change.

SourceUniversity of Haifa·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 6, 2024

Powerful quantum error correction with a beautiful geometry

A new quantum error correction approach called 'many-hypercube codes' has been proposed to overcome scalability issues in conventional methods. This innovative approach allows for high-performance fault-tolerant quantum computing by enabling logical gates to be run in parallel, similar to classical computers.

SourceRIKEN·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 6, 2024

Lack of workplace support after medication errors can worsen outcomes among healthcare professionals

A new study from the University of Eastern Finland found that inadequate organisational support after medication errors increases turnover intentions and absenteeism among healthcare professionals. The study highlights the need for cultivating a more supportive work environment to mitigate negative work-related outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalJournal of Advanced Nursing·TypeSurvey·DateSep 6, 2024

Low-impact yoga and exercise found to help older women manage urinary incontinence

A new study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that low-impact yoga programs can significantly reduce episodes of urinary incontinence in older women, with benefits comparable to those of medications. The study also showed that stretching and strengthening exercises had similar effects.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 6, 2024

Journal of Bioresources and Bioproducts: Advancing Research in Biomaterials and Bioenergy Innovation

The Journal of Bioresources and Bioproducts is a leading open access journal fostering transformative research on bioresource conversion into biomaterials, biochemicals, and bioenergy. The journal's eight thematic areas focus on cutting-edge topics in sustainable energy and materials science.

SourceJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·JournalJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·DateSep 6, 2024

One-way street for sound waves

A team of researchers at ETH Zurich created a method to suppress sound wave propagation in the backward direction without deteriorating forward propagation. They achieved this using self-oscillations and a circulator, which allows sound waves to travel only one way.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 6, 2024