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Science News for January 21, 2025


The reversal of lipoprotein alterations in patients with ischaemic stroke offers new perspectives for cardiovascular disease research and management

Researchers found that qualitative properties of lipoproteins, such as LDL and HDL, play a crucial role in the development and progression of cardiovascular diseases. The study reveals that therapeutic interventions can partially reverse harmful effects of these alterations, offering opportunities to develop new treatments.

SourceInstitut de Recerca Sant Pau (Sant Pau Research Institute)·JournalJournal of Lipid Research·TypeObservational study·DateJan 21, 2025

Wild baboons not capable of visual self-awareness when viewing their own reflection

Researchers at UCL conducted a study on wild Chacma baboons, finding they didn't recognize themselves in mirrors. The baboons showed curiosity with laser marks on visible body parts but not when the mark appeared in their mirror reflection. This strengthens evidence that monkeys do not recognize their own reflections.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateJan 21, 2025

New findings shed light on cell health: Key insights into the recycling process inside cells

Researchers used novel fluorescent sensors to track pH and H2O2 levels inside autophagic vesicles, revealing high levels in the middle stage of autophagy. The discovery opens up new avenues for understanding autophagy in health and disease, potentially leading to new ways of treating diseases associated with impaired autophagy.

SourceTata Institute of Fundamental Research·JournalJACS Au·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 21, 2025

MoS2-confined Rh-Zn atomic pair boosts photo-driven methane carbonylation to acetic acid

Researchers developed a nano-heterostructure catalyst featuring MoS2-confined Rh-Zn atomic pairs, achieving high selectivity and productivity in photo-driven methane carbonylation. The catalyst enables efficient conversion of methane to acetic acid under mild conditions.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalNature Communications·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJan 21, 2025

Water as a waste management source: SEOULTECH researchers revolutionize catalytic plastic recycling

Researchers at Seoul National University of Science & Technology have made a breakthrough discovery in the catalytic recycling of polyolefins, enhancing conversion rates with the addition of water. The study reveals improved process efficiency, extended catalyst lifespan, and reduced operational costs.

SourceSeoul National University of Science & Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 21, 2025

A study by UPF and Oxford establishes that long-range connections between brain regions are scarce but essential to speed up information transmission

A recent neuroscientific study by UPF and Oxford reveals that long-range connections between brain regions are scarce but play a fundamental role in explaining brain dynamics. These rare connections serve to transmit information more quickly and directly, yielding optimal and efficient information processing.

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 21, 2025

War and climate crisis drive transformation of fertiliser industry

A team from the Research Institute for Sustainability finds that supply structure changes, geopolitical competition, and decarbonization drive fertiliser market shifts. To address these challenges, coordinated measures are needed, including promoting sustainable fertiliser management practices and reducing synthetic fertiliser use.

Enhancing patient activation: A controlled implementation study of an interprofessional evidence-based counseling program for complementary and integrative healthcare in cancer patients ('CCC-Integrativ')

A controlled implementation study found that an interprofessional evidence-based counseling program significantly enhanced patient activation among cancer patients. The program showed a positive effect on patient activation, with improved scores on the Patient Activation Measure questionnaire.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 21, 2025

Anti-correlation between KLRG1 and PD-1 in tumor CD8 T cells

A new study published in Oncotarget discovered an anti-correlation between PD-1 and KLRG1 expression in human tumor infiltrating CD8 T cells. This finding suggests the potential for combination therapy to enhance cancer treatment by targeting both markers simultaneously, which could lead to more significant and long-lasting benefits.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeNews article·DateJan 21, 2025

Recommendations for studying the impact of AI on young people's mental health  proposed by Oxford researchers

The paper highlights the need for a critical re-evaluation of how we study digital technologies' impact on young people's mental health. Oxford researchers call for a collaborative evidence-based framework to regulate AI integration into online platforms, ensuring its safety and benefits for children and adolescents.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalThe Lancet Child & Adolescent Health·DateJan 21, 2025

Empty headed? Largest study of its kind proves ‘bird brain’ is a misnomer

Scientists discovered that dry museum skulls of long-dead birds can provide surprisingly detailed information on their brain structures. The study found a nearly 1:1 correlation between the brain's volume and digital imprints, allowing researchers to gather insight into elusive species without seeing their brains.

SourceFlinders University·JournalBiology Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 21, 2025

Global public health collaboration benefits Americans, SHEA urges continued support of the World Health Organization

The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) emphasizes the importance of global partnerships in addressing health threats. SHEA urges President Trump to reconsider the decision to terminate US involvement with the World Health Organization, which would leave the country vulnerable to infectious diseases and pandemics.

Telephone therapy reduces fatigue interference with activities, mood and cognition for metastatic breast cancer survivors

A study demonstrates the effectiveness of telephone-delivered acceptance and commitment therapy in reducing fatigue's interference with functioning and improving quality of life for metastatic breast cancer survivors. The remote intervention showed promise in reducing sleep interference, leading to improved sleep quality and a greater ...

SourceRegenstrief Institute·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateJan 21, 2025

Effect of gamma-rays on recombination dynamics and defect concentration in a wide bandgap perovskite

A new study reveals that gamma-ray exposure can passivate some defects while activating others, leading to improved recombination dynamics. The concentration of dominant 0.5 eV defects decreases with increasing dose, while the diffusion coefficient increases by orders of magnitude.

Childhood poverty and/or parental mental illness may double teens’ risk of violence and police contact

Research from the UK Millennium Cohort Study finds that children exposed to poverty and family adversity are more likely to carry or use a weapon and get in trouble with the law by age 17. These factors account for nearly a third of teen weapon issues and over a quarter of police contact cases.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·TypeObservational study·DateJan 21, 2025

Novel molecular insights into bone remodeling

Researchers identify Fam102a as a key regulator of both osteoclast and osteoblast differentiation, leading to enhanced osteoblast formation and bone volume. The study reveals significant protein-protein interactions involving Fam102a and Kpna2, shedding light on the critical molecular interactions involved in bone remodeling.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 21, 2025

An approach for detecting prenatal depression based on semantically embedding

Researchers propose a method to detect prenatal depression using semantically embedded questionnaire options, achieving an F1 score of 0.8 and demonstrating low computational complexity. The approach is verified through comparison with other machine learning methods, showcasing its potential for analyzing psychiatric disorders.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Computer Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 21, 2025

Scientists finally know how cells build a structure that lets them migrate. What they learned could help treat cancer

Researchers have long puzzled over how filopodia, finger-like protrusions on migratory cells, are formed. A new study from Rockefeller University reveals the atomic-level structure of these bundles, providing insights into their function and potential applications in cancer treatment. The discovery may help refine therapies already in ...

SourceRockefeller University·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateJan 21, 2025

Mass shootings increase alcohol sales

A study analyzing data from 35,000 retailers found that public mass shootings lead to a 3.5-5.5% increase in weekly alcohol sales for at least two years. The authors suggest whole-community approaches to address the trauma of mass shootings and its impact on alcohol consumption.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateJan 21, 2025

Fizzy water might aid weight loss by boosting glucose uptake and metabolism

A recent study suggests that fizzy water may help with weight loss by increasing glucose uptake and metabolism. However, the effects are minimal and should not be relied upon as a sole means of shedding pounds. Regular physical activity and a healthy diet remain essential components of sustainable weight management.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Nutrition Prevention & Health·TypeObservational study·DateJan 21, 2025

Treatment for children with obesity has lasting effect

A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that childhood obesity treatment can reduce the risk of serious health problems such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidaemia in young adults. However, it did not have a lasting impact on depression and anxiety, which remained unchanged regardless of treatment outcomes.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·TypeObservational study·DateJan 21, 2025

Corporate chains revolutionize fertility clinics: Improved IVF success rates, more treatments and safer outcomes

A new study by INFORMS reveals that corporate chain ownership of fertility clinics enhances patient outcomes, including a 27.2% increase in IVF cycles and a 13.6% improvement in success rates. Chain-owned clinics adopt standardized practices that prioritize healthier single births while reducing risky multiple births.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalManagement Science·TypeObservational study·DateJan 21, 2025

High-performance colloidal quantum-dot surface-emitting laser array

Researchers have developed a CQD-based SEL array with low lasing threshold, high stability and high integration density of up to 2100 PPI. The new design features a graded alloyed core-shell structure and circular Bragg resonator, resulting in enhanced optical field confinement and Purcell effect.

Trump clusters: How an English lit graduate used AI to make sense of Twitter bios

An English literature graduate has developed a new method for large language models to understand and analyze short text chunks, such as those on social media profiles. The method successfully grouped nearly 40,000 Twitter user biographies from accounts tweeting about US President Donald Trump into 10 categories.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 21, 2025

Boosting decision-making skills

A new review article highlights the potential of behavioral science for public policy, focusing on developing self-control and decision-making skills. The authors argue that boosting is essential to navigate and resist manipulative forces in a highly commercialized environment.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Human Development·JournalAnnual Review of Psychology·TypeSystematic review·DateJan 21, 2025

Georgia State scientists identify neurons in mice that, once activated, can change body’s metabolic rate, induce hibernation-like state

A team of researchers at Georgia State University has identified a novel group of neurons controlling the brain-heart-gut axis that can be activated to induce a hypometabolic state resembling hibernation. This discovery could have wide-ranging impacts on scientific fields, including obesity and cardiometabolic health.

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalNature Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 21, 2025

Antibiotics modulate E. coli’s resistance to phages

New research reveals that certain antibiotics can suppress the evolution of resistance to phages in E. coli bacteria by targeting a subset of LPS mutants. By modulating these mutants, antibiotics like chloramphenicol and gentamicin reduce phage resistance.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 21, 2025

The Frontiers of Knowledge Award goes to Anil Jain and Michael I. Jordan for core contributions in machine learning that have powered the development of biometrics and artificial intelligence

Anil Jain and Michael I. Jordan received the BBVA Foundation Award in Information and Communication Technologies for their pioneering work on machine learning, enabling transformative technologies like biometrics and artificial intelligence. Their research has unlocked applications of far-reaching impact on society.

Clarifying the mechanism of coupled plasma fluctuations using simulations

A simulation study clarifies the physical mechanism of coupled plasma fluctuations, which can lead to significant losses of energetic particles in fusion research. The study reveals that the two fluctuations occur in a coupled manner via deformation of the energetic particle distribution function.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalScientific Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 21, 2025

Electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy-guided microwave ablation in patients with multiple bilateral pulmonary nodules

This study investigates the effects of Lianhua Qingke on endothelial protection in ALI/ARDS and finds that electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy-guided microwave ablation is safe and effective in treating patients with multiple bilateral ground-glass opacities. The combination of ENB-guided MWA and VATS provides a potential for treat...

SourceNational Center for Respiratory Medicine·JournalJournal of Thoracic Disease·TypeObservational study·DateJan 21, 2025

Harnessing electromagnetic waves and quantum materials to improve wireless communication technologies

A team of researchers from the University of Ottawa has developed innovative methods to enhance frequency conversion of terahertz (THz) waves in graphene-based structures, unlocking new potential for faster, more efficient technologies in wireless communication and signal processing. These advancements hold great promise for wireless c...

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 21, 2025

Singapore joins Worldwide Scientific Network, GNOME, to unearth dark matter and exotic particles

Singapore has joined the Global Network of Optical Magnetometers (GNOME) to search for signals of dark matter and exotic astrophysical fields. The Singapore station, hosted at A*STAR, will use advanced quantum sensors and machine learning algorithms to analyze magnetic field signals and potentially uncover dark matter's presence.

Ziapin2 effectiveness in restoring retinal function in preclinical models of retinitis pigmentosa and macular degeneration

Researchers demonstrate the effectiveness of Ziapin2 in restoring ON, OFF, and ON-OFF responses induced by light stimuli in retinas with retinitis pigmentosa. The molecule restores light-induced behavior and visual acuteness for up to two weeks without toxic or inflammatory effects.

SourceIstituto Italiano di Tecnologia - IIT·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 21, 2025

Salt deposit ring inside your pasta pan?

Scientists from the University of Twente and INRAE discovered that releasing small particles of salt into a tank of water creates a circular pattern due to gravity-induced wake drag. The experiment reveals that the optimal amount of water and particle size affect the shape and size of the salt ring.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateJan 21, 2025

Ten group leaders awarded EMBO Installation Grants

Ten life scientists have been awarded EMBO Installation Grants to establish laboratories in Croatia, Czechia, Estonia, Greece, Poland and Portugal. The grants support research projects on various topics including protein quality control and myeloid cell heterogeneity.

SourceEMBO·DateJan 21, 2025

Electroacupuncture-assisted ribavirin dosing for long COVID: A randomized controlled trial

This study investigated the feasibility of electroacupuncture-assisted ribavirin dosing in patients with long COVID, using Voll's electropuncture diagnostics. The results demonstrated that EAV can identify meridians with decreased electrodermal activity at acupuncture points, followed by medicament testing to measure daily doses.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalFuture Integrative Medicine·DateJan 21, 2025

Human papillomavirus infection kinetics revealed in new longitudinal study

A new longitudinal study has provided unprecedented insights into human papillomavirus (HPV) infection dynamics. The study found that non-persistent infections exhibit a plateau in viral load before rapidly declining, while chronic infections show a strong correlation between immune cells and virus production. This research could infor...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeObservational study·DateJan 21, 2025