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Science News for September 9, 2024


Pausing biological clock could give boost to lab-produced blood stem cells

Researchers at Iowa State University have discovered a potential breakthrough in producing lab-grown blood stem cells by pausing the initial activation of inflammatory signals. This allows for the production of hundreds of functional stem cells, which could replace bone marrow transplants for blood disorders such as leukemia and anemia.

SourceIowa State University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 9, 2024

X-rays from atomic systems could reveal new clues about rival quantum theories

Physicists propose a refined way to test the validity of alternative quantum models, which offer a possible explanation for quantum-classical transition. The team found big differences with previous expectations for low-energy X-ray radiation, depending on atomic species and specific collapse model.

SourceFoundational Questions Institute, FQXi·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 9, 2024

Quantum physics: Describing chaotic systems

A research team led by Professor Monika Aidelsburger and Professor Immanuel Bloch found indications that chaotic many-body systems in the quantum realm can be described using fluctuating hydrodynamics. This approach simplifies the macroscopic description of such systems, obviating the need to engage with microscopic interactions.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 9, 2024

Adaptive-optical 3D microscopy for microfluidic multiphase flows

Researchers developed a novel adaptive optics approach to correct dynamical aberrations in optical microscopy, enabling accurate three-dimensional flow measurements. The system reduces measurement uncertainty, paving the way to better understanding water droplet formation and detachment mechanisms for fuel cells.

FDA issues ‘letter of support’ encouraging use of synuclein-based biomarker, αSyn-SAA, in clinical trials in Parkinson’s and related diseases

The FDA Letter of Support recognizes the potential of αSyn-SAA to accelerate clinical trial design in Parkinson's and related disorders. This biomarker can objectively detect early biology related to these diseases, enabling research toward tailored therapies and potentially delaying or preventing disease onset.

SourceCritical Path Institute (C-Path)·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·DateSep 9, 2024

Surprising hormone-related gene activity discovered in the early larval stage of the Malabar grouper

Researchers have identified a surprising surge in thyroid and corticoid gene activity during the early larval stage of the Malabar grouper, which could help address disease management challenges in aquaculture. The study provides new insights into the complex hormone-driven processes underlying fish development and metamorphosis.

While vaccines target the changing parts of coronavirus, researchers suggest it’s the unchanging parts we also need to pay attention to

A new study published in Microorganisms highlights the importance of small molecule drugs that target the unchanging parts of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The research suggests that these stable targets could provide a consistent and reliable treatment option for COVID-19, even as vaccines are updated to address changing viral strains.

SourceCorewell Health·JournalMicroorganisms·DateSep 9, 2024

Diagnostic tool identifies puzzling inflammatory diseases in kids

A Cornell University-led collaboration has developed a machine learning model that uses cell-free molecular RNA dregs to diagnose pediatric inflammatory conditions, including Kawasaki disease and Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children. The diagnostic tool accurately determines the patient's condition while monitoring organ health.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 9, 2024

Strolling around a Singapore town: What makes a neighbourhood ideal for walking?

A Singapore University of Technology and Design study identified key factors that influence a neighbourhood's walkability, including pedestrian safety, covered walkways, and opportunities for social interaction. The research aims to aid urban planners in creating people-centric built environments that promote healthier lifestyles.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalJournal of Transport & Health·DateSep 9, 2024

Research Spotlight: The public health impact of the FDA’s request for additional safety data on cytisine for tobacco cessation

A new study finds that making cytisine available immediately could lead to approximately 71,000 more people quitting smoking over one year and maintaining long-term abstinence. This would produce over 500,000 additional life-years. A delay in approval by the FDA may result in reduced population-level gains of up to 10,000 life-years.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJAMA Health Forum·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 9, 2024

Tiny heroes and innovative technology are here to fight back against antibiotic-resistant biofilms

Researchers create silver nanoparticles infused with azithromycin that effectively break down biofilms and unveil a new sensing method to assess antimicrobial activity. The novel approach offers a promising solution against antibiotic-resistant bacteria, with potential applications in coating medical devices.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalNanoscale·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 9, 2024

AI can slash indoor farming energy use

Researchers at Cornell University found that integrating AI into environmental control systems can reduce energy consumption in indoor agriculture by up to 25%. By optimizing lighting and climate regulation, AI helps create an energy-efficient solution for optimal plant growth, carbon dioxide levels, and ventilation requirements.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Food·DateSep 9, 2024

Drugs prescribed off-label may do more harm than good

A new study from King's College London found that a common antidepressant does not improve breathlessness in patients with respiratory disease and may cause side effects. The researchers call for further research into potential therapies for severe breathlessness and recommend using non-pharmacological approaches to treat the symptom.

SourceKing's College London·JournalThe Lancet Respiratory Medicine·DateSep 9, 2024

High-intensity interval training is more beneficial for older women than moderate exercise or resistance training alone, study shows

A study found that high-intensity interval training (HIIT) combined with muscle strength exercises was the most efficacious in improving cardiovascular parameters, including waist circumference, blood pressure, and arterial stiffness. HIIT was more beneficial than moderate exercise or resistance training alone.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·DateSep 9, 2024

New study seeks to develop a new treatment strategy to prevent/delay relapse of myeloid leukemia associated with Down syndrome

A four-year grant will help researchers find new clues to the interplay between Down syndrome and myeloid leukemia, focusing on enhancing antileukemic activity of chemotherapy drug cytarabine. The goal is to identify a novel treatment strategy to improve patient outcomes and prevent relapses in ML-DS patients.

Grim statistics on koala survival odds

A University of Queensland study found that koalas are at high risk of euthanasia due to diseases like chlamydia and threats from habitat loss, with only 25% rescued and released into suitable habitat. The research analyzed over 50,000 koala sightings and hospital admissions between 1997 and 2019.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalSociety and Animals·TypeObservational study·DateSep 9, 2024

1 in 5 COVID deaths potentially attributable to hospital caseload strain

A nationwide retrospective cohort study found a detrimental relationship between COVID-19 caseload and survival across all hospital types. Approximately 1 in every 5 COVID-19 deaths were attributed to hospital caseload strain, highlighting the importance of minimizing caseload surge during future public health emergencies.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateSep 9, 2024

Growing key biomethane crop on peat emits 3 times more CO2 than using natural gas

A recent study by the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology found that growing maize to produce biomethane on drained peat emits up to three times more carbon dioxide than using natural gas. The production of crops like maize for bioenergy has rapidly increased, leading to a significant expansion of cultivated areas on drained peatlands.

SourceUK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 9, 2024

Researchers at UCLA identify cellular pathways whose dysregulation leads to acne lesions

A study by Min Deng and colleagues at UCLA identified two key dysregulated pathways in acne-affected skin: the GRN-SORT1 axis in TREM2 macrophages and the IL-13-IL-13RA1 axis in keratinocytes. These findings suggest modulating these pathways through gene therapy could lead to new acne treatments.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalCell Communication and Signaling·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 9, 2024

Breakthrough insights into carbon dioxide absorption using cement-based materials

Researchers discovered that structural changes and mass transfer play a crucial role in the carbonation process of cement-based materials. The study found that lower humidity conditions and high Ca/Si ratios result in smaller pores, suppressing ion leaching and improving carbonation efficiency. This breakthrough could lead to developin...

SourceChiba University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry C·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 9, 2024

Crown-of-thorns starfish thrive in degraded coral habitats

Research reveals that crown-of-thorns starfish thrive in degraded coral habitats, benefiting from the loss of live coral. This 'degraded reef hypothesis' explains how juvenile COTS accumulate in rubble habitats, promoting a pulsed emergence as adults and exacerbating the cycle of coral loss.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalMarine Environmental Research·TypeObservational study·DateSep 9, 2024

Microwaving waste cooking oil into useful chemicals

A team from Kyushu University has developed a zeolite catalyst that can be heated using microwaves to speed up the conversion of fatty acid esters to olefins. This process improves energy efficiency and reduces carbon dioxide production, offering a more sustainable chemical industry.

SourceKyushu University·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 9, 2024

Final media invitation and details of media briefing

The ESA Hera mission is set to launch in just under a month, with representatives discussing the mission's expectations and current status. The BepiColombo Mission to Mercury is also being updated following its successful flyby, with insights into previous flybys and plans for the remainder of the mission.

How the brain's inner chamber governs our state of consciousness

A new study published in Nature Communications reveals how propofol sedation alters the connections between brain cells in the thalamus and cortex, shedding light on the neural mechanisms underlying consciousness. The researchers found that disruptions to the matrix cells' activity play a crucial role in the transition to unconsciousness.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 9, 2024

Optica Quantum August 2024 Issue Press Tip Sheet

Researchers developed hybrid single-photon cameras for high-dimensional spatial correlations, enabling faster measurements of quantum optical phenomena. They also reconstructed photon number distributions in microresonators to characterize their performance without specialized detectors.

SourceOptica·JournalOptica Quantum·DateSep 9, 2024

Researchers develop reaction-induced molybdenum carbides for efficient carbon dioxide conversion

Researchers developed a facile strategy to create molybdenum carbide catalysts for efficient CO2 conversion. The catalysts exhibit excellent activity and stability, outperforming traditional methods. The unique structure of the Mo oxycarbide active sites maintains dynamic equilibrium in the reaction atmosphere.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateSep 9, 2024

Large theropods thrived near South Pole, Australian tracks show

A discovery of 18 theropod tracks and four ornithopod tracks in the Wonthaggi Formation reveals that large carnivores roamed polar environments, feeding on prey like smaller dinosaurs, fish, and turtles. The finds confirm that a variety of dinosaurs lived and walked on the ground where their bones were found.

SourceEmory University·JournalAlcheringa An Australasian Journal of Palaeontology·TypeObservational study·DateSep 9, 2024

During the pandemic, employers who fostered ‘collective engagement’ had less employee turnover

A recent study found that workplaces with high levels of collective engagement saw less employee turnover during the COVID-19 pandemic. Collective engagement refers to a shared sense of mission or community among store employees. The researchers also observed that stores with higher collective engagement had lower employee turnover rat...

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Applied Psychology·TypeObservational study·DateSep 9, 2024

UT Health San Antonio urologist discovers combined anti-seizure drug and omega-3 may lower COVID-19 risks

A study by UT Health San Antonio urologist Ronald Rodriguez found that combining valproic acid, an anti-seizure medication, with DHA, a type of omega-3 fatty acid, may reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19 and lessen its severity. The combination has been shown to activate ancient antiviral pathways against coronaviruses.

Research Spotlight: association of statin, metformin, and aspirin use with hepatocellular carcinoma in the all of us research program

A recent study published in Gastro Hep Advances found that statin use was associated with a reduced risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The research, conducted using data from the All of Us Research Program, suggests that lipophilic statins may be an effective strategy for chemoprevention in HCC. Patients with indications for stati...

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalGastro Hep Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 9, 2024

How aging affects stem cells: A fly's tale

Scientists identified key changes in chromosome structure and gene expression that affect stem cell function during aging. Blocking a specific gene, ced-6, triggered stem cell exhaustion at any age, indicating a general process that maintains balance when proliferation is too high.

SourceRIKEN·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 9, 2024

Most detailed study yet of seismic activity links fault strength to likelihood of large earthquakes

Researchers from Kyushu University have identified a link between fault strength and earthquake magnitude, suggesting that stronger faults are more likely to produce large earthquakes. The study analyzed seismic activity at over 1,000 locations and estimated the stress field and characterized faults as strong or weak.

SourceKyushu University·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateSep 9, 2024

Solution to a cosmic mystery

Scientists found that a flyby of an alien star billions of years ago can explain the orbits of trans-Neptunian objects and the formation of irregular moons. The flyby caused some objects to be hurled into our solar system, which were then captured by giant planets as moons.

SourceForschungszentrum Juelich·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 9, 2024

Loss of skin’s pigment-producing cells could be related to basement membrane disruption

Researchers from Osaka Metropolitan University have discovered that disruptions in the basement membrane zone between the epidermis and dermis could make it harder for pigment-producing cells to adhere. An enzyme called matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) may be overexpressed, leading to disturbance of the basement membrane.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalThe Journal of Pathology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 9, 2024

Framing climate action as patriotic and status-quo friendly increases liberals’ and conservatives’ belief in climate change

A psychology study finds that framing climate action as a way to protect American values and traditions can increase belief in climate change and support for pro-environmental policies among both liberals and conservatives. The study, which analyzed data from 50,000 participants across 60 countries, suggests that messaging that aligns ...

SourceNew York University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 9, 2024

We're closer than ever to solving mystery of deadly virus

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have identified the protein complex that enables the hepatitis C virus to infect cells. This discovery is a significant step towards developing a vaccine against the disease, which causes chronic inflammation and 300,000 deaths annually worldwide. The study's results, published in Nature maga...

Most abortion restrictive US states provide the least support for pregnant women

A recent study found that US states with severe abortion restrictions lack comprehensive public infrastructure to support access to reproductive health care and family social services. These states also have limited access to Medicaid insurance and higher rates of uninsured women, exacerbating the lack of medical and social support for...

SourceAmerican Public Health Association·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 9, 2024

Bridging the urban canyons: 5g's role in advanced RTK positioning

The integration of 5G technology with BeiDou Navigation Satellite System boosts RTK positioning accuracy, reducing errors and enhancing success rates in urban areas. This approach tackles common challenges like signal blockages and visibility issues, paving the way for more reliable urban navigation solutions.

Sickle cell patients who receive lactated ringer’s solution for painful episodes experienced significant improvements compared to those who received normal saline

A new study found that hospital-admitted patients with sickle cell disease who received Lactated Ringer’s solution had shorter hospital lengths of stay, fewer readmissions, and less pain control medication compared to those who received normal saline. This shift in practice may improve patient outcomes and lower healthcare costs.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 9, 2024

Lowder & Foudray conducting evaluation of Medication For Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) provision in Fairfax County Adult Detention Center

Evan Lowder and Chelsea Foudray are conducting a study to assess MOUD provision in the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center, with funding from Fairfax County and the Virginia Opioid Abatement Authority. The study aims to inform best practices for initiating individuals into medication-assisted treatment upon release from jail.

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia researchers report encouraging first evidence of effective new gene therapy to treat multiple sulfatase deficiency

Children's Hospital of Philadelphia researchers have reported encouraging evidence of an effective new gene therapy to treat multiple sulfatase deficiency. The ex vivo gene therapy improved sulfatase production and reduced symptoms associated with the disease in preclinical models.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalMolecular Therapy·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 9, 2024

Prevalence of firearms in U.S. drives public health crisis of gun deaths, OHSU study finds

A recent study by OHSU researchers reveals that the US has a higher rate of firearm deaths compared to other countries with similar sociodemographic profiles. The study found that despite comparable mental health disorder rates, US firearm death rates are 20 times greater than those in other countries.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 9, 2024

RSV vaccination in older adults with health conditions is cost-effective

A new study found that RSV vaccination programs targeting older adults with underlying health conditions are more likely to be cost-effective than general age-based strategies. Vaccinating people aged 70 years and older with chronic medical conditions is likely to be cost-effective based on commonly used cost-effectiveness thresholds.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 9, 2024

Conditions making a regular balanced random (k,2s)-CNF formula (1,0)-unsatisfiable with high probability

A study published in Frontiers of Computer Science finds conditions that make a regular balanced random (k,2s)-CNF formula (1,0)-unsatisfiable with high probability. These conditions also apply to random instances of the regular balanced (k-1,2(k-1)s)-SAT problem, providing new challenges for k-SAT problem algorithms.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Computer Science·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 9, 2024

Air pollution exposure in infancy may limit economic mobility in adulthood

A new study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that higher exposure to fine particulate air pollution (PM2.5) during infancy is associated with lower economic earnings in adulthood. The association was strongest in the Midwest and South, where an increase in PM2.5 exposure by one microgram per cubic meter was linked t...

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateSep 9, 2024

Ravit Helled awarded Farinella Prize 2024

Ravit Helled received the 2024 Paolo Farinella Prize for her work on planetary interiors, proposing a dilute core structure that was later confirmed by mission data. Her research also explores giant planet formation and evolution, with international contributions to NASA and ESA missions.

Multispectral smart window: a step towards healthier indoor environments

The multispectral smart window technology regulates visible light while blocking microwave signals, improving energy savings and privacy protection. It outperforms existing technologies in response time, transmittance adjustment range, haze adjustment range, driving voltage, and optical modulation mode.

Combined whole eye and face transplant

The world's first combined whole eye and face transplant has demonstrated allograft survival, including rejection-free graft survival. The transplanted eye has maintained normal pressure, good blood flow, and some remaining structure and functions in the retina. Researchers are now focused on understanding how to restore sight.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateSep 9, 2024

Iron was life's 'primeval' metal

A team of researchers from the University of Michigan and Caltech argues that iron was life's primeval metal. They found that early oceans were rich in iron, which is essential for biomolecules to bind to metals. This discovery challenges previous assumptions about the importance of other transition metals like zinc.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 9, 2024

Social media interviews uncover New Yorkers’ frustrations with high energy costs and reliability

Researchers at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health used a novel interview method to assess New Yorkers' perceptions on energy insecurity, a public health issue. The study found that energy insecurity is associated with health vulnerabilities and impacts nearly 30% of NYC residents.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalHumanities and Social Sciences Communications·TypeSurvey·DateSep 9, 2024

Honeybees: Combinations of pesticides can be dangerous

Research found that combining neonicotinoids with fungicides significantly increased mortality of bee larvae, while also affecting adult honeybee survival rates and lifespan. The study suggests that solitary wild bees may be more vulnerable to pesticide effects due to their smaller colony size.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalEnvironmental Pollution·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 9, 2024

Rural versus urban divide in eating disorders in Ontario

A new study found that rural regions in Ontario have significantly higher rates of eating disorders among adolescents and young adults. The researchers suggest that stigma and socio-cultural dynamics may contribute to these disparities, highlighting the need for targeted interventions such as telehealth services.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalJournal of Eating Disorders·DateSep 9, 2024