Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for January 22, 2025


MSU study finds children of color experience more variability in sleep times

A Michigan State University study reveals racial and ethnic disparities in children's sleep patterns, with non-white and multiracial children experiencing more significant variability in bedtime and rise time. The research emphasizes the importance of addressing systemic inequities to promote healthy sleep equity among all children.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·DateJan 22, 2025

Global research on hydrothermal pretreatment: A green leap for biorefineries

A comprehensive bibliometric analysis reveals a steady increase in global research on hydrothermal pretreatment, with China leading the way. The technology has gained significant attention for its environmentally friendly approach to breaking down lignocellulosic biomass and producing biofuels.

SourceJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·JournalJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·TypeLiterature review·DateJan 22, 2025

How employee trust in AI drives performance and adoption

A new study published in Journal of Management Studies reveals that employee perceptions of AI performance and feelings towards AI vary, affecting AI performance and adoption. Four different trust configurations were identified, leading to distinct behaviors and a vicious cycle of biased data inputs degrading AI performance.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Management Studies·DateJan 22, 2025

Severe weather and major power outages increasingly coincide across the US

A study found that large-scale power outages commonly occur alongside severe weather events in the US, particularly during heavy precipitation and heat. The researchers suggest that understanding patterns of co-occurring outages and severe weather events is crucial for developing mitigation and response tactics.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Climate·TypeObservational study·DateJan 22, 2025

Black kids and families are forced to overcome marked disparities in early care and education settings

Early care and education programs perpetuate inequalities against Black children and families, fueled by 'deficit perspectives' that ignore social circumstances. Systemic changes are needed to support teachers in partnering with families, decreasing expulsion rates and promoting resilience among Black children.

SourceAnn & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago·JournalEarly Childhood Research Quarterly·DateJan 22, 2025

YTH genes: The hidden players in fruit development

Researchers from Zhejiang University have identified 185 YTH genes across twelve species of Rosaceae, revealing new insights into the regulatory mechanisms of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) and its impact on plant development. The study also highlights the potential role of YTH genes in mitigating chilling injury during cold storage.

SourceZhejiang University·JournalFood Quality and Safety·DateJan 22, 2025

Single-cell elemental analysis using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS)

Scientists from Chiba University successfully analyzed human chronic myelogenous leukemia cells using a new sample introduction system, achieving accurate elemental composition measurements without damaging the cells. The study expands the potential of ICP-MS technology for mammalian cultured cell analysis.

SourceChiba University·JournalJournal of Analytical Atomic Spectrometry·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 22, 2025

Hot or cold? How the brain deciphers thermal sensations

Researchers used EEG to map brain activity in response to hot and cold temperatures, finding that both invoke similar activity patterns in overlapping brain regions. The study could lead to more objective methods for evaluating thermal comfort and reducing health risks due to ambiguous subjective evaluations.

SourceWaseda University·JournalNeuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 22, 2025

Medically recommended vs nonmedical cannabis use among US adults

A recent study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that medically recommended cannabis use is associated with a higher prevalence of cannabis use disorder and more frequent use among US adults. The study suggests that medically recommended cannabis may not be effective in reducing addiction risk compared to nonmedical use.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateJan 22, 2025

How the design of online slot machines affects gambling problems

A study by Professor Jan Peters at the University of Cologne explores how virtual slot machines' design features trigger dopaminergic effects in the brain's reward system, leading to erroneous beliefs and expectations about control over outcomes and chances of winning. This can lead to continued gambling despite high losses.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalTrends in Cognitive Sciences·TypeSystematic review·DateJan 22, 2025

University of Barcelona team describes a mechanism for eliminating harmful cells from cancer treatment

A University of Barcelona team has identified a molecular mechanism that could lead to new strategies for eliminating senescent cells in cancer patients. By analyzing human senescent cells in a melanoma tumor model, the researchers found that BCL-2 family proteins play a key role in senescence survival.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalCell Death and Differentiation·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 22, 2025

mRNA-activated blood clots could cushion the blow of osteoarthritis

Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have developed a technique using therapeutic blood clots activated by messenger RNA to treat osteoarthritis. This approach could potentially offer a more effective option than existing treatments like steroid injections or joint replacement surgeries, with the possibility of being an i...

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalBioactive Materials·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 22, 2025

Do minimum wage hikes negatively impact students’ summer employment?

New research reveals that increasing minimum wages is associated with decreased summer employment and hours worked by college students. Students with limited or no work experience are disproportionately affected. The study provides valuable insights into the impact of rising minimum wages on young workers' job prospects.

SourceWiley·JournalContemporary Economic Policy·DateJan 22, 2025

New AI technology helps scientists detect which pollutants in England’s lakes are most harmful to life, and identify species which are at highest risk

A new study published in Environmental DNA revealed that insecticides and fungicides are the main factors affecting biodiversity in UK waters. The AI technology analyzed water and biofilm samples from 52 freshwater lakes, identifying key links between pollutants and biodiversity loss.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalEnvironmental DNA·DateJan 22, 2025

Researchers unlock new insights into tin-based catalysts for electrochemical CO₂ reduction

Researchers developed efficient tin-based catalysts for electrochemical CO2 reduction, enabling the production of high-value formic acid with improved selectivity and activity. The study's findings provide critical insights into the reaction mechanism, highlighting the importance of structural and kinetic factors in catalyst design.

SourceAdvanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR), Tohoku University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJan 22, 2025

Multiple sclerosis linked to higher risk of mental illness during and after pregnancy

A new study found that people with multiple sclerosis experience a significantly higher risk of perinatal mental illness compared to those with other chronic conditions. Depression and anxiety were the most common conditions reported, with half of people with MS living with a mental illness in the first year postpartum.

SourceInstitute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences·JournalNeurology·TypeObservational study·DateJan 22, 2025

Sex differences in long COVID

A recent study found that long COVID is more prevalent in women than men, and the association was linked to factors such as age, pregnancy, and menopausal status. The research highlights the need for targeted drug development and improved management strategies for long COVID.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJan 22, 2025

Study: Civil organizing persisted during Syrian civil war

A study by University of Illinois political scientist Rana B. Khoury found that civil organizing persisted in Syria's armed conflict, shifting to 'translocal organizations' operating in rebel-held territory and neighboring countries. These groups combined efforts by local actors with those by refugees and diaspora members.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalPerspectives on Politics·TypeObservational study·DateJan 22, 2025

New frontiers in organic chemistry: Synthesis of a promising mushroom-derived compound

A Japanese research team has successfully synthesized inaoside A, an α-D-ribofuranoside-type compound isolated from the edible mushroom Laetiporus cremeiporus. This achievement paves the way for further investigation into its bioactivities and potential applications in pharmaceuticals and functional foods.

SourceShinshu University·JournalAsian Journal of Organic Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 22, 2025

First evidence of olaparib maintenance therapy in patients with newly diagnosed homologous recombination deficient positive/BRCA wild-type ovarian cancer: real-world multicenter study

A real-world multicenter study found olaparib to be effective in maintaining remission with a 75.2% 1-year progression-free survival rate. The safety profile was consistent with known adverse events, primarily anemia and nausea.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 22, 2025

Insurance coverage, type of employment shape inequities in access to semaglutide

A new study found disparities in access to semaglutide based on insurance plan, job industry, sex, and other factors. Individuals with female identities, preferred provider organization coverage, and antidepressant use were more likely to start taking semaglutide compared to males or those with certain employment industries.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateJan 22, 2025

Survey: While most Americans use a device to monitor their heart, few share that data with their doctor

A national survey of 1,008 Americans found that nearly two-thirds use a device to monitor their heart health, but only one in four shares the data with their doctor. This lack of sharing can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment, emphasizing the importance of proactive communication between patients and healthcare providers.

In the hunt for new and better enzymes, AI steps to the fore

Researchers at Stanford University have developed a computational workflow that can design thousands of new enzymes, predict their behavior, and test their performance across multiple chemical reactions using machine learning. This breakthrough accelerates the process of creating new enzymes, which can enhance perfumes, clean laundry, ...

SourceStanford University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 22, 2025

New epilepsy tech could cut misdiagnoses by nearly 70% using routine EEGs

A new tool called EpiScalp uses algorithms trained on dynamic network models to map brainwave patterns and identify hidden signs of epilepsy from a single routine EEG. This tool has ruled out 96% of false positives, cutting potential misdiagnoses among cases by nearly 70%, according to a Johns Hopkins University study.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalAnnals of Neurology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 22, 2025

Penn researchers create new guidelines to diagnose common memory disorder frequently mistaken for Alzheimer’s Disease

Limbic-predominant age-related TDP-43 encephalopathy (LATE) is a common memory disorder that can progress slower and cause less impairment of cognitive functions than other types of dementia. The new guidelines provide a first step in advancing clinical trials and treatments for this lesser-known, but common type of memory loss disorder.

AI in cell research: Moscot reveals cell dynamics in unprecedented detail

A groundbreaking AI tool called Moscot maps single cells in spatial tissues, enabling the observation of millions of cells simultaneously. This allows researchers to analyze complex cellular processes within entire living organs and organisms, providing new insights into diseases like diabetes.

Many Roads Lead to… the embryo

A team of researchers has developed a theoretical model forecasting the ideal body plan of a fruit fly's early embryo, indicating that evolution might have had many optimal options. The study suggests that optimization is a key driving force in nature, with biological systems often having multiple optimal solutions for the same problem.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 22, 2025

Black immigrants attract white residents to neighborhoods

A study by Ohio State University researcher Nima Dahir found that Black immigrants can act as a buffer between Black and white residents, increasing the white population in neighborhoods with a high native-born Black presence. The influx of Black immigrants led to a decrease in native-born Black residents and an increase in non-Hispani...

SourceOhio State University·JournalRSF The Russell Sage Foundation Journal of the Social Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 22, 2025

Claims for the world’s deepest earthquake challenged by new analysis

A team of researchers re-examined the aftershock sequence of the 2015 Bonin Islands earthquake and found no evidence for a record-breaking deep aftershock in the lower mantle. Instead, they discovered a distribution of aftershocks compatible with a 12-kilometer olivine sliver that sheds light on how deep earthquakes can occur.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalThe Seismic Record·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 22, 2025

Plants more likely to be ‘eavesdroppers’ than altruists when tapping into underground networks

A new study led by University of Oxford suggests that plants are more likely to be eavesdroppers than altruists when tapping into underground networks. The study found that it is unlikely that plants would evolve to warn other plants of impending attacks, instead finding that plants may signal dishonestly to harm their neighbors.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 22, 2025

Quantum theory: From Planck to Egorov

A new theoretical approach, quantum-classical mechanics, reconciles the Franck-Condon principle and standard quantum mechanics. Electron chaos provokes dozy chaos in nuclei, leading to a new structural configuration consistent with electron charge distribution.

SourceELSP·JournalAsymmetry·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 22, 2025

Camel milk udderly good alterative to traditional dairy

Research from Edith Cowan University reveals camel milk contains more naturally occurring bioactive peptides than cow's milk, potentially providing anti-hypertensive properties and improving digestion. This hypoallergenic alternative has the potential to reduce cardiovascular disease risk and offer a viable option for those with dairy ...

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalFood Chemistry·TypeObservational study·DateJan 22, 2025

BioChatter: making large language models accessible for biomedical research

BioChatter bridges the gap between large language models and biomedical research by providing a transparent and adaptable framework for custom research tasks. The platform can integrate with knowledge graphs and bioinformatics tools, making it easier for researchers to analyze complex datasets.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalNature Biotechnology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 22, 2025

Advances in the studies of CO2-assisted oxidation dehydrogenation of light alkanes over metal-based heterogeneous catalysts

Researchers from Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics summarize the catalytic performance of various metal-based catalysts in CO2-assisted oxidative dehydrogenation of light alkanes. The review identifies catalyst systems with great potential for further development and elucidates the mechanisms of CO2 activation and transformation.

Turmeric: A promising supplement for the relief of muscle inflammation following vigorous exercise

Researchers found that consuming moderate amounts of curcumin can facilitate muscle recovery and alleviate pain following strenuous physical exercise. The study also confirmed curcumin's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in the context of sports, with benefits including reduced muscle damage and inflammation.

SourceUniversitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC)·JournalJournal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition·TypeSystematic review·DateJan 22, 2025

Who to vaccinate first? Penn engineers answer a life-or-death question with network theory

Researchers created a framework to determine the best vaccination strategy for communities with individuals of different risk levels. The framework prioritizes vaccination efforts for high-risk groups, such as the elderly and immunocompromised, or high-contact groups, like essential workers, over baseline populations.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalPLOS One·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 22, 2025

GenEditScan: novel k-mer analysis tool based on next-generation sequencing for foreign DNA detection in genome-edited products

GenEditScan is a novel k-mer analysis tool that efficiently detects foreign DNA sequences in genome-edited crops. It has been designed to be user-friendly and accurate, with a correction function to reduce false positives, enabling reliable testing of genome-edited products.

SourceNational Agriculture and Food Research Organization·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 22, 2025

Innovative 7-axis synchronization strategy for enhanced laser texturing of freeform surface

Researchers developed a 7-axis synchronization algorithm for freeform surface laser texturing, achieving high efficiency and accuracy without stitching errors. The approach improves processing efficiency by up to 559% and reduces errors by 60%, making it suitable for industrial applications.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateJan 22, 2025

Fossil discovery in the Geiseltal Collection: Researchers identify unique bird skull

A fully preserved skull of Diatryma, a 45-million-year-old flightless bird, has been discovered in the Geiseltal Collection at Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg. The fossil, which was initially misclassified as a crocodile skull, provides new insights into the evolution of animals during the Eocene Epoch.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalPalaeontologia Electronica·TypeObservational study·DateJan 22, 2025

Bioluminescent cell imaging gets a glow-up

The researchers have developed a groundbreaking method to expand the color palette of bioluminescent protein to 20 distinct colors, enabling advanced simultaneous multi-color imaging. This innovation makes it significantly easier and more cost-effective to monitor multiple targets or track individual cells within a population.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScience Advances·TypeImaging analysis·DateJan 22, 2025

Chung-Ang University achieves dual-purpose breakthrough: Turning water into electricity while detecting fires

Researchers at Chung-Ang University have developed a novel hydrovoltaic device that can produce up to a few tens of microwatts and responds quickly to evaporation-driven changes in water flow, making it suitable for fire detection. The device also exhibits excellent stability over extended periods.

SourceChung Ang University·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 22, 2025

Insilico Medicine announces first patient dosed in phase I clinical trial of ISM6331, the novel inhibitor for the treatment of mesothelioma and other solid tumors

Insilico Medicine has successfully dosed the first patient in its global Phase I clinical trial of ISM6331, a potent pan-TEAD inhibitor. The treatment demonstrates superior efficacy and safety in preclinical studies, with potential synergistic anti-tumor effects and overcoming drug resistance.

Researchers put the shine on digitally rendered feathers

Researchers created digital images of iridescent bird feathers that change colors at different angles, incorporating tiny variations for a glittery appearance. The new method uses specimens from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology as a reference and has potential applications in video games and animation.

SourceCornell University·JournalACM Transactions on Graphics·TypeCase study·DateJan 22, 2025

Applied precision medicine: High-tech microscopy enables tailored rheumatology therapies

Researchers developed a precision medicine approach that uses high-tech microscopy to analyze individual immune cells and identify cellular phenotypes correlated with disease activity and therapeutic response. This study represents a major step forward in tailoring therapies for rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases.

Females have a 31% higher associated risk of developing long COVID, UT Health San Antonio-led RECOVER study shows

A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found that females aged 40-55 years have the highest risk of developing long COVID, with a 31% higher associated risk compared to males. The research, part of the NIH RECOVER initiative, suggests that patients and healthcare teams should consider sex differences when treating long COVID.

New software package drives deeper understanding of trait evolution

A new software package called TraitTrainR offers a framework for replicating the evolutionary process many times over. It can perform flexible evolutionary experiments through probabilistic simulations on a computer, allowing researchers to generate thousands-to-millions of evolutionary replicates.

SourceUniversity of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture·JournalBioinformatics Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 22, 2025

Highly efficient operation of an innovative SOFC powered all-electric ship system using quick approach for ammonia to hydrogen

A groundbreaking study introduces an innovative ribbed catalytic-combustion integrated ammonia cracker (IAC) for rapid hydrogen production in NH3-fueled SOFC systems, achieving complete decomposition within 2.94 seconds and reducing cracking time by 35%. The system produces minimal environmental impact with zero CO2, NO, and SO2 emissi...

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers in Energy·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 22, 2025

Spanish scientists discover how the gut modulates the development of inflammatory conditions

Gut bacteria that cross a weakened intestinal barrier induce epigenetic changes in bone marrow, generating trained immune cells primed to respond more efficiently to infections. However, this amplified immune response also contributes to the development of inflammatory diseases such as cardiovascular and neurodegenerative conditions.

HKUMed study finds 80% mislabelled NSAID allergies among stroke patients leads to poorer treatment outcomes and urges evaluation to identify mislabelling

A recent study found that 80% of NSAID allergy labels for stroke patients are inaccurate, leading to the use of less-effective medications and potentially dangerous consequences. The research highlights the need for thorough evaluation and management of drug allergies in Hong Kong.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalStroke·TypeCase study·DateJan 22, 2025

Platform ecosystems and organisational capabilities boost competitiveness in volatile markets

A new study from the University of Eastern Finland finds that digital platforms and artificial intelligence can boost B2B service companies' competitiveness by enhancing agility, flexibility, and resilience. The study also highlights the importance of organizational capabilities for managing strategic change in volatile markets.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalIndustrial Marketing Management·DateJan 22, 2025

Advancing surgical sutures: The promise of cellulose-based materials

Researchers have made significant advancements in cellulose-based sutures, showcasing their potential as sustainable alternatives for wound closure and healing. The new materials demonstrate non-toxicity, biocompatibility, and mechanical strength, with nanocellulose showing particular promise due to its high strength and flexibility.

SourceJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·JournalJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·TypeLiterature review·DateJan 22, 2025

Fighting experience plays key role in brain chemical’s control of male aggression

Researchers at NYU Langone Health found that dopamine, a brain chemical linked to male aggression, grows less important in promoting aggression as males gain fighting experience. In contrast, females show no response to manipulated dopamine levels, suggesting a distinct role for the chemical in female aggression.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 22, 2025

Acupuncture protects brain regions in an Alzheimer’s disease mouse model by inhibiting apoptosis and reducing tau protein

This study used a senescence-accelerated prone strain 8 (SAMP8) male mice model to observe the protective effects of acupuncture on different brain regions in Alzheimer's disease. Acupuncture treatment improved learning and memory abilities, as well as depression-like behavior, by reducing apoptosis and decreasing tau protein deposition.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalFuture Integrative Medicine·DateJan 22, 2025

New study finds social programs could reduce the spread of HIV by 29%

Researchers at UMass Amherst developed a model that quantifies the impacts of social factors on HIV spread, finding that addressing barriers to treatment and care can reduce national HIV incidence by 29%. The study suggests that investing in prevention and social programs could be more cost-effective than treatment alone.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalHealth Care Management Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 22, 2025