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Science News for January 13, 2025


HKUMed scientists culture previously uncultivable human rhinovirus C with innovative respiratory organoids after a 20-year effort, accelerating vaccine and drug development

A research team at HKUMed successfully cultured human rhinovirus C using respiratory organoids, overcoming a 20-year challenge in virus cultivation. This breakthrough enables the study of HRV-C and expedites the development of vaccines and antiviral drugs.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 13, 2025

Study finds changes in opioid use outcomes after passage of medical marijuana laws

A new study at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health found no changes in opioid outcomes among the general population with the states' passage of medical and recreational marijuana laws. Decreases in opioid outcomes were observed among people reporting cannabis use but not when both medical and recreational use laws existed.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalInternational Journal of Drug Policy·DateJan 13, 2025

Love bites? Scientists identify pre-mating behaviors of whale sharks in coastal Western Australia

Researchers have witnessed pre-mating rituals in whale sharks for the first time, shedding light on the species' reproduction habits. The observations suggest that following and biting behaviors by males towards females are common in whale sharks, consistent with other cartilaginous fish species.

SourceMurdoch University·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·TypeObservational study·DateJan 13, 2025

Five ways ‘fake’ mobile games fail to meet advertised expectations

A study by Penn State researchers found that fake mobile games often use free-to-play models, lack promised content, and make in-app purchases appear optional. The researchers suggest that developers can update their games to align with advertised features, making 'fakeness' a fluid state.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 13, 2025

Who really benefits from economic development?

A new study by the University of Portsmouth argues that economic development often overshadows human rights, prioritizing profit over the voices of local communities and indigenous peoples. The researchers highlight the need to integrate human rights into international economic law to pave the way for fairer and more sustainable outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·JournalBusiness and Human Rights Journal·TypeObservational study·DateJan 13, 2025

Understanding bias and discrimination in AI: Why sociolinguistics holds the key to better Large Language Models and a fairer world

A new study aims to address bias and discrimination in AI by leveraging sociolinguistics. By incorporating diverse dialects, registers, and periods of language into training data, researchers can improve the performance of large language models, making them more accurate and reliable. This approach also promotes ethical and socially aw...

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalFrontiers in Artificial Intelligence·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 13, 2025

Picking the right doctor? AI could help

A machine learning algorithm developed by researchers at the University of Texas at Austin can assess experts' decision-making quality, including doctors. This innovation has the potential to improve patient outcomes and lower costs by selecting doctors based on their accurate diagnosis rates.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalManagement Science·DateJan 13, 2025

New study links home temperature to cognitive function in older adults

A groundbreaking study has identified a significant relationship between indoor temperatures and cognitive performance in older adults, with findings suggesting that even current climate conditions are placing older adults at risk. The study found that older adults reported the least difficulty maintaining attention when their home tem...

SourceHebrew SeniorLife Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research·JournalThe Journals of Gerontology Series A·TypeObservational study·DateJan 13, 2025

Wind turbines impair the access of bats to water bodies in agricultural landscapes

The study found that wind turbines hinder the ability of bat species to access drinking sites, particularly during hot and dry summers. This can lead to reduced survival rates among female bats and their young, highlighting the need for careful consideration in wind turbine siting to avoid conflicting with species conservation.

SourceLeibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW)·JournalBiological Conservation·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 13, 2025

COVID-19 vaccine developed at University of São Paulo presents promising results in animal trials

Researchers at the University of São Paulo's Medical School have developed a COVID-19 vaccine using virus-like particles (VLPs), which proved highly protective, safe, and versatile in animal trials. The vaccine can be easily updated to combat variants of concern without requiring an adjuvant.

Metabolomics-driven approaches for identifying therapeutic targets in drug discovery

The article reviews metabolomics-driven approaches for identifying therapeutic targets in drug discovery, highlighting the challenges and limitations of current methods. Emerging technologies like single-cell metabolomics, artificial intelligence, and mass spectrometry imaging are explored to enhance target discovery.

New study unveils breakthrough in understanding cosmic particle accelerators

Scientists have come closer to understanding the acceleration of electrons in collisionless shock environments. A new study using satellite observations from NASA's MMS and THEMIS/ARTEMIS missions found that electrons can be accelerated to high energies through the interaction of multiple processes across different scales.

SourceNorthumbria University·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 13, 2025

Team makes sustainable aviation fuel additive from recycled polystyrene

A team of researchers has created an additive that can improve the functional characteristics of sustainable aviation fuels by adding aromatic hydrocarbons. The additive is made from recycled polystyrene and has been shown to perform almost as well as ethylbenzene derived from fossil fuels.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 13, 2025

Applications of ultrafast nano-spectroscopy and nano-imaging

Ultrafast nano-spectroscopy and nano-imaging enable atomic-scale spatial and femtosecond-level temporal resolutions, allowing for the direct observation of fleeting quantum states and complex phenomena. This breakthrough permits real-time exploration of ultrafast interaction processes with unprecedented insights into material properties.

Sodium-ion batteries need breakthroughs to compete

Despite potential advantages, sodium-ion batteries struggle to match lithium-ion batteries in terms of energy density and cost. Researchers identify key areas for improvement, including increasing energy densities without critical minerals and developing new battery chemistries.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature Energy·TypeSystematic review·DateJan 13, 2025

Study examines differences in strength by position among football players

A new study from the University of Kansas found significant differences in muscular power and strength among different football positions, with linemen having more body mass and quarterbacks having higher peak force. The research suggests position-specific training could optimize athletic performance.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalJournal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology·TypeObservational study·DateJan 13, 2025

How does the brain encode pain? Scientists uncover neuronal mechanisms of pain intensity encoding

Researchers have identified parvalbumin interneurons as the key players in encoding pain intensity and driving gamma oscillations. The findings suggest PV interneurons in S1 as a promising target for therapeutic interventions to treat chronic pain, providing new insights into nociceptive processing and its relationship with GBOs.

Manure management in China cuts river antibiotic pollution but raises groundwater contamination risks

A recent study found a 59% decrease in river antibiotic pollution due to improved manure recycling and reduced direct discharge. However, this reduction came with an unintended consequence: increased antibiotic leaching into groundwater by 15%, mainly from expanded manure use as fertilizer.

SourceEurasia Academic Publishing Group·JournalEnvironmental Science and Ecotechnology·TypeObservational study·DateJan 13, 2025

NIH-funded study finds cases of ME/CFS increase following SARS-CoV-2

The NIH-funded RECOVER Initiative study reveals a significant association between SARS-CoV-2 infection and an increased incidence of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), with 4.5% post-COVID participants meeting ME/CFS diagnostic criteria, compared to 0.6% non-infected participants.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateJan 13, 2025

3D printing shines in overcoming headlight lens manufacturing challenges

Researchers used 3D printing to make headlight lenses, achieving exceptional precision and surface quality while reducing costs and production speeds. The study compared 3D printing with traditional methods like CNC machining and reverse engineering, finding that 3D printing outperformed them in efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

SourceOptica·JournalApplied Optics·DateJan 13, 2025

Powering the future: SeoulTech’s breakthrough in vibration energy harvesting

Researchers at SeoulNational University of Science & Technology propose two new designs for energy-efficient vibration energy harvesters that boost power output and efficiency. The designs use a repulsive magnet pair, yoke, and optimized coil placement to maximize magnetic flux change, leading to higher power generation.

SourceSeoul National University of Science & Technology·JournalJournal of Science Advanced Materials and Devices·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 13, 2025

CNIO and CNIC research identifies a key protein for ‘burning’ fat

A new mechanism by which brown fat is converted into heat has been identified, revealing a potential target for treating obesity and related metabolic diseases. The MCJ protein plays a crucial role in this process, protecting against health problems associated with obesity such as diabetes and increased blood lipids.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 13, 2025

Travel distance to nearest lung cancer facility differs by racial and ethnic makeup of communities

A cross-sectional study found that American Indian/Alaska Native populations are significantly farther away from lung cancer screening centers than non-Hispanic White populations. The researchers recommend increasing access to lung cancer services through mobile units and imaging locations to address these disparities.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateJan 13, 2025

New research highlights trends in ADHD diagnoses

Research highlights differing trends in ADHD diagnoses among adolescents and adults, with a significant increase in adult diagnoses from 2020 to 2023. The study found a downward trend in ADHD incidence rates among both adults and adolescents between 2016 and 2020, but an upward trend among adults from 2020 to 2023.

SourceAmerican Psychiatric Association·JournalPsychiatric Research and Clinical Practice·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 13, 2025

Fabrication and high temperature electrical conductivity of polymer-derived SiHfBCN ceramic coating: A wireless surface acoustic wave sensor material?

Researchers developed polymer-derived SiHfBCN ceramic coating with excellent high-temperature conductivity and stability, suitable for wireless surface acoustic wave sensors. The coating's thickness remains consistent across different temperatures, indicating its stability in extreme environments.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalJournal of Advanced Ceramics·DateJan 13, 2025

World’s oldest 3D map discovered

Researchers have discovered a three-dimensional map within a quartzitic sandstone megaclast in the Paris Basin, created around 13,000 years ago. The miniature landscape model depicts natural water flows, valleys, and lakes, suggesting that early humans understood the importance of water flow and landscape features.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalOxford Journal of Archaeology·DateJan 13, 2025

Dr. Jennifer Jao named Co-Chair of International Maternal Pediatric and Adolescent AIDS Clinical Trials (IMPAACT) Network

Dr. Jennifer Jao has been selected as Co-Chair of the International Maternal Pediatric and Adolescent AIDS Clinical Trials (IMPAACT) Network to guide critical work in improving HIV health outcomes globally. Dr. Jao's research focuses on pregnant individuals, children, and adolescents with perinatally acquired HIV.

Previous experience affects family planning decisions of people with hereditary dementia

A new study led by UCL researchers reveals that people at risk of hereditary dementia significantly impact their choices about having children and parenting. Genetic risk is viewed in the context of other factors, with concerns including practical and emotional challenges of caring for someone with familial frontotemporal dementia.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalJournal of Genetic Counseling·TypeSurvey·DateJan 13, 2025

Breakthrough in Marine Ecosystem Modeling with Graph Neural Networks

Researchers developed a cutting-edge method leveraging Graph Neural Networks (GNNs) to predict mesozooplankton community dynamics and visualize their interactions. The study achieved remarkable improvements in forecasting accuracy by integrating inter-series relationships and temporal dependencies among input-variables.

SourceEurasia Academic Publishing Group·JournalEnvironmental Science and Ecotechnology·TypeObservational study·DateJan 13, 2025

Polygamy is (not) for the birds

Lekking, a mating system where males display for females without forming lasting bonds, is found to be remarkably stable and rarely evolves into other systems. In contrast, resource-defense polygamy is identified as fragile and frequently reverts to monogamy, often associated with higher extinction rates.

SourceRice University·JournalEvolution·DateJan 13, 2025

Overcoming barriers to food systems sustainability: an interconnected framework

The study reveals five groups of barriers reinforcing each other, including corporate dominance and institutional shortcomings. A comprehensive framework is proposed to address these systemic challenges, emphasizing the importance of integrated political responses and context-sensitive solutions.

Rice researchers unveil ‘surprising’ breakthrough in carbon nanotube recycling, paving way for sustainable materials

Researchers at Rice University have successfully recycled carbon nanotube fibers without losing their structure or properties. The discovery positions CNT fibers as a sustainable alternative to traditional materials like metals and polymers, offering a solution to waste management problems in industries such as aerospace and automotive.

SourceRice University·JournalCarbon·DateJan 13, 2025

$3.9 million grant seeks to expand primary care and rural tracks for medical student training in Arizona

The University of Arizona Health Sciences has been awarded a $3.9 million grant to address the shortage of primary care physicians in underserved communities in Arizona. The program aims to create more primary care and rural health admissions tracks and expand clinical experiences, ultimately increasing primary care residency matches.

Deep dive into genome of dogs within Chornobyl Exclusion Zone shows genetic differences are not due to mutations

A new study published in PLOS ONE found that the genomes of dogs within the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone did not exhibit genetic mutations from radiation exposure. Instead, researchers suggest that low-level environmental toxin exposure over many years may have contributed to genetic differences between dog populations. The findings offer ...

From microplastics to macro-impact: KTU expert explains plastic recycling challenges

The use of plastic in Europe has skyrocketed, with each person generating an average of 36 kg of plastic packaging waste in 2021. KTU researchers conducted a macro-environmental analysis to examine six key areas influencing plastic packaging recycling, including outdated regulations and lower quality recycled plastics. This highlights ...

SourceKaunas University of Technology·JournalEuropean Journal of Medicinal Chemistry·DateJan 13, 2025

Long reads successfully used to find genetic causes of rare diseases

Researchers have successfully used long reads to identify the genetic causes of rare diseases in 93% of cases, surpassing traditional short read techniques. The technique, which can map methylation and sequence longer DNA segments, has shown promising results in detecting complex genetic mutations.

SourceRadboud University Medical Center·JournalThe American Journal of Human Genetics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 13, 2025

United States dementia cases estimated to double by 2060

The study estimates that half a million new cases of dementia will be reported annually by 2060, with the risk of developing dementia after age 55 being 42% among Americans. The increasing number of cases is linked to aging, genetic factors, and lifestyle choices such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and poor mental health.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 13, 2025

Social media users more likely to invest in cryptocurrencies

A study from the University of Georgia found that about half of social media users have invested in digital currencies, with men and those with high risk tolerance being more likely to do so. On the other hand, people with higher education levels were less likely to invest. Investing in crypto comes with risks, such as volatility and u...

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalInternational Journal of Bank Marketing·DateJan 13, 2025

Traffic jams? Let's learn from ants

A team of researchers from UniTrento examined how ants manage traffic congestion using pheromone trails and observed individual ant movements. Their findings could provide a model for optimizing autonomous vehicle traffic flow, reducing congestion and emissions.

SourceUniversità di Trento·JournalTransportation Research Interdisciplinary Perspectives·TypeObservational study·DateJan 13, 2025

New tool for synthetic biology

Scientists at the University of Stuttgart have developed a new tool for synthetic biology using DNA nanorobots that can alter artificial cells. These nanorobots enable the formation of transport channels in synthetic cell membranes, allowing large molecules to pass through and facilitating the transportation of therapeutic proteins.

SourceUniversitaet Stuttgart·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 13, 2025

Study highlights need for standardized measurement methods in gene therapy

A study by National Institute of Standards and Technology scientists has highlighted the need for standardized measurement methods in gene therapy. The researchers evaluated four techniques used to measure modified viruses deployed in some gene therapy research and treatments, finding that one technique had poor accuracy and precision.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalHuman Gene Therapy·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 13, 2025