Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for January 16, 2025


Tropical sea temperatures influence Middle Eastern weather patterns, study reveals

Researchers have identified a critical link between tropical ocean temperatures and rainfall patterns in the Middle East, shedding light on the complexities of forecasting seasonal weather. The study found that positive phases of the El Niño Southern Oscillation and Indian Ocean Dipole significantly increase rainfall, while negative ph...

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalQuarterly Journal of the Royal Meteorological Society·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 16, 2025

The role of political partisanship and moral beliefs in leadership selection

The study shows that liberals and conservatives often support different types of leaders due to differences in moral priorities. Conservatives tend to favor dominant leaders who employ assertiveness and formal authority, while liberals prefer prestigious leaders who lead through knowledge and earned respect.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·TypeSurvey·DateJan 16, 2025

‘Brand new physics’ for next generation spintronics

Researchers at the University of Utah and UCI have discovered a unique quantum behavior that allows for the manipulation of electron-spin and magnetization through electrical currents. This phenomenon, dubbed anomalous Hall torque, has potential applications in neuromorphic computing.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 16, 2025

Thawing permafrost threatens up to three million people in Arctic regions

A comprehensive study reveals five key hazards associated with thawing permafrost soils: infrastructure failure, disrupted mobility and supply, decreased water quality, challenges for food security, and exposure to diseases and contaminants. The researchers found that these risks have significant implications for the health and well-be...

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·DateJan 16, 2025

DNA motors found to switch gears

Researchers found that SMC motors can pull DNA from both sides of the molecule, resolving controversies about their movement. This discovery could help understand how genes are regulated and potentially lead to new treatments for diseases like cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.

SourceDelft University of Technology·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 16, 2025

Dose-dependent relationship between alcohol consumption and the risks of hepatitis b virus-associated cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma: A meta-analysis and systematic review

A meta-analysis found a dose-dependent relationship between alcohol consumption and the risks of cirrhosis and HCC in HBV patients, with daily alcohol consumption exceeding 12g increasing risk by 6.2% and 11.5% respectively.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalJournal of Clinical and Translational Hepatology·DateJan 16, 2025

Astronomers observe real-time formation of black hole jets for the first time

Astronomers have observed a phenomenon where a supermassive black hole forms plasma jets in real-time, marking the first-ever observation of this process. The discovery provides new insights into how black holes interact with their host galaxies and could help scientists understand the evolution of the universe.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Baltimore County·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·TypeObservational study·DateJan 16, 2025

Large and small galaxies may grow in ways more similar than expected

A team of astronomers has obtained detailed images of a small galaxy and its surroundings, revealing features typically associated with larger galaxies. The study found that the mechanisms fueling galaxy growth may be more universal than previously thought, suggesting that even dwarf galaxies can build stellar halos through accretion.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeObservational study·DateJan 16, 2025

U of A Cancer Center clinical trial advances research in treatment of biliary tract cancers

The study, published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, showed no significant difference in patient survival between two-drug and three-drug chemotherapy regimens. The researchers found that the three-drug regimen may increase toxicity but could be a viable option for specific patients with certain types of biliary tract cancers.

SourceUniversity of Arizona Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 16, 2025

The megadroughts are upon us

A 40-year study reveals increasingly common and devastating megadroughts worldwide, with significant impacts on ecosystems and agriculture. The research used global meteorological data to track changes in drought patterns and their effects on vegetation, providing insights into the paradoxical responses of different forest types.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalScience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 16, 2025

New study reveals AI’s transformative impact on ICU care with smarter predictions and transparent insights

A new AI model analyzes complex medical factors to predict ICU length of stay, providing clear explanations for clinicians to guide critical decisions. This approach has the potential to reduce ICU overcrowding and decrease hospital costs by improving predictions and offering actionable insights.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalInformation Systems Research·TypeCase study·DateJan 16, 2025

This tiny galaxy is answering some big questions

Researchers led by Kristen McQuinn used the Webb Telescope to find that Leo P formed stars early on but stopped for a few billion years during the Epoch of Reionization. The study provides insights into the growth of low-mass structures and the processes that led to star creation.

SourceRutgers University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·TypeObservational study·DateJan 16, 2025

Machinery behind bacterial nanowires discovered

Scientists at Yale University have identified the machinery that assembles bacterial nanowires, which can efficiently eliminate electrons and pollutants. The discovery paves the way for engineering bacteria to produce electricity, clean water, and lower atmospheric methane levels.

SourceYale University·JournalCell Chemical Biology·DateJan 16, 2025

Risk of stillbirth and newborn death before 28 days was almost halved in “overdue” pregnancies lasting beyond 41 weeks, in nationwide Swedish study offering active management and induction of labor

A nationwide Swedish study found that active management and induction of labor in late- and postterm pregnancies significantly reduced the risk of stillbirth and newborn death before 28 days. The study, published in PLOS Medicine, showed a near halving of this risk, suggesting improved maternal and perinatal outcomes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateJan 16, 2025

Do parents really have a favorite child? Here’s what new research says

New research from Brigham Young University found that parents tend to show favoritism towards younger siblings, daughters, and more agreeable children. This bias can influence sibling relationships and individual well-being. By recognizing these patterns, parents can foster stronger family bonds and make adjustments to benefit everyone.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalPsychological Bulletin·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 16, 2025

Study identifies mechanism underlying increased osteoarthritis risk in postmenopausal females

A new study identifies the molecular mechanisms underlying increased osteoarthritis risk in postmenopausal females, revealing that menopause-induced changes in sex hormone levels contribute to joint degeneration. Restoring these hormones may protect against cartilage degeneration, paving the way for novel treatments.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalNature Aging·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 16, 2025

Race and ethnicity and diffusion of telemedicine in Medicaid for schizophrenia care after onset of the COVID-19 pandemic

A cohort study of Medicaid beneficiaries with schizophrenia reveals rapid diffusion of telemedicine care following the COVID-19 pandemic. Within-agency racial and ethnic differences in telemental health care adoption were observed, underscoring the need for monitoring innovation diffusion across vulnerable populations.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJan 16, 2025

Study finds surprising way that genetic mutation causes Huntington’s disease, transforming understanding of the disorder

A new study reveals that the inherited genetic mutation in Huntington’s disease doesn't harm cells immediately, but slowly morphs into a highly toxic form that kills the cell. The findings suggest potential ways to delay or even prevent the disease by stopping or slowing CAG-repeat expansion in the HTT gene.

The material revolution: How USA’s commodity appetite evolved from 1900 to present

A study reveals that US commodity consumption patterns have undergone a significant transformation since the 1970s, with growth in demand for certain materials slowing down. This trend, known as relative dematerialization, is driven by technological and societal changes, such as the rise of recycling and shifting consumer behavior.

SourceProgramme for the Human Environment, The Rockefeller University·JournalResources Policy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 16, 2025

Synchronization in neural nets: Mathematical insight into neuron readout drives significant improvements in prediction accuracy

Researchers introduced a novel approach to enhance reservoir computing, incorporating a generalized readout that offers improved accuracy and robustness compared to conventional methods. The new method uses a nonlinear combination of reservoir variables to uncover deeper patterns in input data.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalScientific Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 16, 2025

Most advanced artificial touch for brain-controlled bionic hand

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed a unique method for encoding natural touch sensations via specific microstimulation patterns in implantable electrodes. This allows individuals with spinal cord injuries to feel tactile edges, shapes, curvatures and movements, enabling them to control a bionic arm with the...

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalScience·TypeObservational study·DateJan 16, 2025

UTHealth Houston research: Children born to young men with cancer have slight increases in preterm birth, low-birth-weight children, but not birth defects

According to UTHealth Houston research, adolescent and young adult men with cancer have a slightly elevated risk of having preterm birth and children with low birth weight. However, the likelihood of live birth was highest for fathers who had thyroid cancer and lowest for those with gastrointestinal cancer.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 16, 2025

Thin lenses have a bright future

Researchers at the University of Tokyo have successfully fabricated flat lenses called Fresnel zone plates using industry-standard equipment. These lenses have the potential to revolutionize optics in various fields by reducing space requirements while increasing efficiency, but they currently lack the efficiency of traditional lenses.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalLight Science & Applications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 16, 2025

Nine in ten Afghans struggle with diminished quality of life

A survey of over 800 Afghans found that nearly nine in ten face diminished quality of life due to psychosocial stress, while three-quarters experience food insecurity and over seven in ten have poor healthcare access. The study highlights the impact of the Taliban's takeover on daily life.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Mental Health·TypeSurvey·DateJan 16, 2025

Decoding HIV’s tactics

HIV-1 uses 'hidden gene fragments' called uORFs and iORFs to fine-tune protein production and interact with the host immune system. The virus also manipulates ribosome collisions to prioritize its own needs while stalling host defense mechanisms.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Infection Research·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 16, 2025

International Alliance for Primary Immunodeficiency Societies selects Rockefeller University Press to publish new Journal of Human Immunity

The International Alliance for Primary Immunodeficiency Societies has partnered with Rockefeller University Press to launch the Journal of Human Immunity, an open-access journal focused on human immunity and inborn errors of immunity. The journal aims to provide a platform for groundbreaking research and attract top-tier submissions.

Tracking the atomistic structural transformations in chemical evolution via machine-learned infrared spectroscopy

The study utilizes infrared spectroscopy and a machine-learned protocol to map spectroscopic fingerprints to atomistic structures. The authors demonstrate the accuracy of their network in predicting local atomistic structures and energetic variations, enabling the tracking of dynamic C–C coupling on Cu surfaces.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateJan 16, 2025

The Moon: a chunk ejected from Earth?

Researchers from Göttingen University and Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research discovered the Moon formed from material ejected from the Earth's mantle. The findings support the idea that water reached Earth early in its development, contrary to the prevailing assumption of late impacts.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 16, 2025

Reducing teens’ psychological stress could save billions for US budget, study suggests

A new study finds that improving adolescent mental health can lead to increased labor force participation and lower public assistance usage, resulting in significant economic benefits. Clinically significant psychological distress in adolescence is associated with lower annual wages and reduced labor force participation 10 years later.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateJan 16, 2025

Research using non-toxic bacteria to fight high-mortality cancers prepares for clinical trials

Researchers at UMass Amherst have developed a non-toxic bacterial therapy, BacID, to deliver cancer-fighting drugs directly into tumors. The therapy uses genetically engineered strains of Salmonella that can target tumors and control the release of cancer-fighting drugs inside cancer cells.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalMolecular Therapy·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 16, 2025

Stem Cell Reports seeks applications for its Early Career Scientist Editorial Board

Stem Cell Reports, an open access journal of the International Society for Stem Cell Research, is seeking highly motivated early career scientists to join its Early Career Scientist Editorial Board. The selected members will have the opportunity to shape the journal's editorial direction and promote stem cell research.

SourceInternational Society for Stem Cell Research·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateJan 16, 2025

Peripheral blood CD4+/CD8+ t cell ratio predicts HBsAg clearance in inactive HBsAg carriers treated with peginterferon alpha

Researchers found that a lower CD4+/CD8+ T cell ratio after 12-24 weeks significantly predicted HBsAg clearance in IHCs treated with peginterferon alpha. Higher baseline percentages of CD3+CD8+ cells and lower CD4+/CD8+ ratios were also associated with improved outcomes.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalJournal of Clinical and Translational Hepatology·DateJan 16, 2025

Autonomous AI assistant to build nanostructures

Researchers at TU Graz are developing a self-learning AI system to position individual molecules quickly and autonomously, enabling the construction of highly complex molecular structures. The goal is to build logic circuits in the nanometre range using quantum corrals made from complex-shaped molecules.

SourceGraz University of Technology·JournalComputer Physics Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 16, 2025

ACS Annual Report: Cancer mortality continues to drop despite rising incidence in women; rates of new diagnoses under 65 higher in women than men

The American Cancer Society's annual report reveals a 34% decrease in cancer mortality rates from 1991 to 2022, averting approximately 4.5 million deaths. However, this progress is tempered by increasing incidence among women and younger adults, particularly in lung cancer, which is now higher in women than men under 65.

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·JournalCA A Cancer Journal for Clinicians·DateJan 16, 2025

US Department of Energy announces selectees for $107 million fusion innovation research engine collaboratives, and progress in milestone program inspired by NASA

The US Department of Energy awards $107 million to six projects in the Fusion Innovative Research Engine (FIRE) Collaboratives, supporting commercial fusion energy development. Several privately funded fusion companies complete early critical-path science and technology milestones in the Milestone-Based Fusion Development Program.

Immunological face of megakaryocytes

Megakaryocytes exhibit diverse immune functions through expression of immune sensors and participation in immune activities. They modulate HSC quiescence and proliferation, engage in immune responses, and phagocytose pathogens.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 16, 2025

Uprooting Cassava Disease: scientists identify causes of two devastating diseases

Researchers have identified the pathogens and diagnostic tests for the two diseases, revolutionizing cassava disease management in Latin America, the Caribbean, and Southeast Asia. The study, published in peer-reviewed journals, marks a significant milestone in fighting the spread of these devastating diseases.

Boosting physical fitness increases language comprehension in older adults

A six-month exercise programme improved language comprehension in older monolingual adults, with a 7% increase in detection speed. In contrast, bilingual participants did not show the same improvement, suggesting a complex relationship between fitness and language processing in bilingual brains.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalAging Neuropsychology and Cognition·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 16, 2025

Schools need to boost entry-level salaries to better compete for novice teachers, study says

A recent study found that schools are not strategically adjusting their salary scales to better attract novice teachers. The research, published in the Labor Studies Journal, reveals that when teacher salaries in districts increase, adjacent districts increase their own pay scales by a much smaller percentage.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalLabor Studies Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 16, 2025

Mount Sinai study finds wearable devices can detect and predict inflammatory bowel disease flare-ups

Researchers found that wearable devices can identify, differentiate, and predict flares in IBD by analyzing circadian patterns of heart rate variability, heart rate, oxygenation, and daily activity. The study showed that these metrics changed up to seven weeks before flares developed, enabling continuous disease monitoring.

Early humans adapted to harsh conditions more than a million years ago

Researchers from UCalgary and around the world have discovered that early humans, Homo erectus, were able to thrive in extreme environments, including hot and dry periods. This finding changes our understanding of human adaptability and suggests that ancient humans had a wider range of survival capabilities than previously thought.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 16, 2025

Preventing transition to substance use disorders in teenagers: brief cognitive behavioural program PreVenture shows promising results

A cluster randomized trial involving 31 Canadian high schools and 3,800 students found that delivering personality-targeted brief cognitive behavioral interventions to students in the 7th grade reduced risk for substance use disorders by the end of high school. The intervention was associated with a 23%-80% reduced odds of SUD compared...

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateJan 16, 2025

White House honors Tufts economist

Tufts economist Elizabeth Setren has received the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) for her research on Boston's METCO school desegregation program. Her work demonstrates significant positive impacts on urban students, and she will continue to study immigrant integration in Massachusetts schools.

Evaluation of plasma neurodegenerative biomarkers for diagnosing minimal hepatic encephalopathy and predicting overt hepatic encephalopathy in Chinese patients with hepatic cirrhosis

This study investigated the performance of plasma neurodegenerative biomarkers (NfL, GFAP, tau, and UCHL1) in diagnosing minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) and predicting overt hepatic encephalopathy (OHE) in Chinese patients with hepatic cirrhosis. The results showed that a combination of NfL, GFAP, tau, and UCHL1 was effective in d...

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalJournal of Clinical and Translational Hepatology·DateJan 16, 2025

AI transforms label-free photoacoustic microscopy into confocal microscopy: A new frontiers in cell imaging technology

Researchers developed an AI-powered technology that transforms low-resolution, label-free images into high-resolution, virtually stained ones without fluorescent dyes. This innovation delivers stable and accurate cell visualization, overcoming limitations of traditional imaging methods.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 16, 2025