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Science News for January 6, 2025


Microplastics widespread in seafood people eat

Researchers found 1,806 suspected particles across 180 samples of Oregon's marine and freshwater species. Pink shrimp had the highest concentrations, while Chinook salmon had the lowest. The study highlights a need for technologies to reduce microfiber pollution entering the environment.

SourcePortland State University·JournalFrontiers in Toxicology·TypeObservational study·DateJan 6, 2025

Successfully developed a method for doping semiconductor nanocrystals, synthesizing next-generation semiconductor nanomaterials from the seed phase to the future!

The study successfully developed a controlled nucleation doping method to induce stable and precise doping in ZnSe semiconductor nanocrystals. This technology eliminates the use of heavy metals, addressing environmental concerns while enabling practical applications for advanced electronic devices.

New NEJM Perspective article highlights urgent need for widespread adoption of Fracture Liaison Services (FLS) to combat rising burden of osteoporosis-related fractures

The article highlights the critical role of Fracture Liaison Services (FLS) in combating rising osteoporosis-related fractures. FLS programs have been shown to reduce secondary fracture risk by up to 74% and deliver a return of $10.49 for every $1 invested.

‘Sandwich carers’ experience decline in mental and physical health

A new study by UCL researchers has found that people who care for both their children and older family members – known as 'sandwich carers' – experience a significant decline in both mental and physical health. The study, which analysed data from around 2,000 sandwich carers, highlights the need for better support and resources to help...

SourceUniversity College London·JournalPublic Health·TypeObservational study·DateJan 6, 2025

Marked decrease in Arctic pressure ridges

A team of researchers from the Alfred Wegener Institute analyzed aerial survey data showing a marked decrease in Arctic pressure ridges north of Greenland and in Fram Strait, declining by 12.2% per decade. The study found that the frequency and height of pressure ridges are decreasing due to the dramatic melting of older ice.

SourceAlfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 6, 2025

New quantum sensing technology reveals sub-atomic signals

Researchers have developed a new quantum sensing technology that can detect individual nuclei, revealing tiny differences in molecular structure and dynamics. This unprecedented sensitivity enables scientists to study the building blocks of nature at an entirely new scale, leading to breakthroughs in fields like drug development.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalNano Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 6, 2025

Fluoride exposure and children’s IQ scores

A systematic review and meta-analysis found an inverse association between fluoride exposure and children's IQ scores. The findings suggest a dose-response relationship between fluoride levels and IQ across multiple countries, highlighting the need for comprehensive public health risk-benefit assessments of fluoride exposures.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateJan 6, 2025

ABLkit: A python toolkit for abductive learning

ABLkit is a unified framework integrating machine learning and logical reasoning, providing a comprehensive workflow for data loading, model development, and reasoning. It outperforms neuro-symbolic approaches in terms of predictive accuracy, training time efficiency, and memory usage.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Computer Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 6, 2025

The science behind the foldable molecular paths

Researchers at Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology developed foldable molecular paths using zeolitic imidazolate frameworks, which can adjust size, shape, and alignment in response to temperature, pressure, and gas interactions. This technology has potential applications in creating filters that adapt to capture harmful ...

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJan 6, 2025

Non-opioid pain relievers beat opioids after dental surgery

A Rutgers University study found that a combination of acetaminophen and ibuprofen controls pain after wisdom tooth removal better than opioids. Patients who received the non-opioid medication experienced less pain, better sleep, and higher satisfaction compared to those receiving hydrocodone with acetaminophen.

SourceRutgers University·JournalThe Journal of the American Dental Association·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 6, 2025

New strontium isotope map of Sub-Saharan Africa is a powerful tool for archaeology, forensics, and wildlife conservation

A new map reveals unique 'geologic fingerprints' across most of the African continent, enabling researchers to match artifacts and remains with their likely region of origin. The tool is particularly valuable for understanding human migration patterns, modern wildlife trafficking, and the history of the transatlantic slave trade.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 6, 2025

U of M Medical School study finds point-of-care ultrasound enhances early pregnancy care, cuts emergency visits by 81%

A University of Minnesota Medical School study found that implementing point-of-care ultrasounds in the first trimester enhances care for pregnant patients and reduces emergency visits. This integrated approach allows comprehensive care during a single visit, improving diagnosis and patient outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateJan 6, 2025

ING5 inhibits aerobic glycolysis of lung cancer cells by promoting TIE1-mediated phosphorylation of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 1 at Y163

A comprehensive analysis reveals ING5 promotes aerobic glycolysis inhibition in lung cancer cells by increasing PDK1 Y163 phosphorylation, which reduces glycolysis and increases oxidative phosphorylation. This phosphorylation is associated with better prognosis in lung cancer patients.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 6, 2025

CryoSCAPE: Allen Institute scientists develop ‘suspended animation’ technique for blood draws that will aid research for underserved populations

Researchers at the Allen Institute have developed a new approach called CryoSCAPE, which stabilizes blood samples to preserve molecular composition and lower costs. This technology will enable broader participation in research studies and clinical trials for underserved communities.

SourceAllen Institute·JournalJournal of Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 6, 2025

Lead pollution likely caused widespread IQ declines in ancient Rome, new study finds

A new study using Arctic ice core records reveals that ancient Roman lead pollution likely caused widespread cognitive decline, with estimated IQ reductions of 2-3 points among the European population. The research team used advanced computer modeling and atmospheric movement to recreate historical lead pollution levels across Europe.

SourceDesert Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 6, 2025

Nanofluids and turbulators have potential to boost renewable energy and slash dependence on fossil fuels, say scientists

Researchers have discovered that combining nanofluids and turbulators can maximize their functions, leading to significant benefits in energy transfer, cooling, and heating. The study highlights the potential of these technologies to contribute to the global transition towards renewable energy sources.

SourceUniversity of Sharjah·JournalApplied Thermal Engineering·TypeLiterature review·DateJan 6, 2025

How can similar news stories influence financial markets? Here’s what investors need to know

A new study by Binghamton University explores how media companies publishing similar content in different news outlets can impact financial markets. Researchers found that business news outlets owned by the same holding company tend to produce more similar stories, reducing unique information and potentially affecting investor efficiency.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalThe Accounting Review·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 6, 2025

Media coverage of civilian casualties in allied countries boosts support for U.S. involvement

A new study finds that media coverage of civilian casualties increases public support for U.S. involvement in conflicts when the victims are from allied countries, evoking empathy and a sense of democratic justification. However, this effect is absent when civilians from non-allied nations are affected.

SourceAnnenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania·JournalHumanities and Social Sciences Communications·DateJan 6, 2025

Protected areas provide habitat for threatened lynx, but wildfire poses risks

Researchers have mapped critical habitat characteristics for Canada lynx in western Colorado and southern Wyoming, revealing that over half of lynx habitats overlap protected areas. However, wildfire poses a major threat to lynx populations, with around one-third of potential habitat overlapping with disturbance areas.

SourceUSDA Forest Service - Rocky Mountain Research Station·JournalBiodiversity and Conservation·TypeObservational study·DateJan 6, 2025

As prevention strategy for sexually transmitted infections rolls out, experts highlight both promise and knowledge gaps

The rollout of doxycycline as a prevention strategy for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) has shown promise in reducing syphilis and chlamydia rates, but its effectiveness on gonorrhea is limited. Close monitoring for antimicrobial resistance is necessary to ensure the long-term efficacy of doxy PEP.

Membrane anchor suppresses protein aggregation

Researchers have developed new models to explore the role of a membrane anchor on the folding and aggregation of PrP. Anchoring stabilizes folding and inhibits aggregation, with clumping induced by pre-formed aggregates, suggesting a potential mechanism for infectious prion diseases.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 6, 2025

The Medieval Academy of America at 100: Speculum themed issue reflects on medieval studies

The January 2025 themed issue of Speculum reflects on the evolution of medieval studies, highlighting shifts toward global perspectives, feminist scholarship, and decolonization. The issue offers histories of para-academic groups, such as the Society for Medieval Feminist Scholarship, BABEL, and the Material Collective, and critiques t...

Ice patches on Beartooth Plateau reveal how ancient landscape differed from today’s

Scientists studied ancient whitebark pine forest on Beartooth Plateau, finding the tree line was 600 feet higher during a moderate climate period. The discovery sheds light on how dynamic ecosystems respond to temperature warming and offers insights into future changes for alpine environments.

SourceMontana State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeNews article·DateJan 6, 2025

A change in the weather in the U.S. Corn Belt

A new study found that intensive farming and shallow groundwater in the US Corn Belt increase precipitation recycling by almost 30%, providing a significant boost to rainfall during the growing season. The research, published in PNAS, used advanced computer modeling techniques to quantify the impact of these factors on regional climate.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 6, 2025

UTHealth Houston study reveals two new genes associated with variants linked to epilepsy, offering new hope for personalized therapies

Researchers at UTHealth Houston have discovered two novel genes, DYRK1A and EGFR, linked to genetic mutations causing epileptic brain lesions. This breakthrough offers a new framework for understanding epilepsy and developing targeted therapies.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalNature Communications·TypeImaging analysis·DateJan 6, 2025

Lighting up cancer cells with biolasers

Researchers have developed a way to detect circulating tumor cells in the bloodstream using biolasers, which can provide valuable information about the DNA organization inside cancer cells. The technique has been successfully tested on pancreatic and lung cancer patients, showing high accuracy rates of up to 99%.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalBiosensors and Bioelectronics·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 6, 2025

Acoustic sensors find frequent gunfire on school walking routes

A new study found that nearly two-thirds of schools in Chicago's Englewood neighborhood had at least one gun incident within 400 meters of where children were walking home during the 2021-22 school year. The researchers used acoustic sensors to detect gunshots and found that children are exposed to violence on their way to and from sch...

SourceOhio State University·JournalSSM - Population Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 6, 2025

Evaluating career service offices at schools of public health: Are programs servicing students equitably and delivering on the promise of a diversified public health workforce?

A new study by Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health evaluated the career services programs and employment outcomes of its graduates. The study found that neither program usage nor employment outcomes were statistically different by race or ethnicity, with room for improvement in other areas.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalPedagogy in Health Promotion·DateJan 6, 2025

Singapore and Japan scientists develop technology to control cyborg insect swarms

Researchers from Singapore, Japan and US developed an advanced swarm navigation algorithm for cyborg insects that prevents them from getting stuck in challenging terrain. The new algorithm represents a significant advance in swarm robotics and could pave the way for applications in disaster relief and search-and-rescue missions.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 6, 2025

MMRI scientist publishes breakthrough study detailing how ketones improves blood flow to the heart

A recent study published by Dr. Matthew Nystoriak of Masonic Medical Research Institute has uncovered groundbreaking insights into heart health. Elevated levels of β-hydroxybutyrate, a ketone body produced by the liver, have been shown to improve cardiac blood flow and reduce ischemic heart disease.

SourceMasonic Medical Research Institute·JournalArteriosclerosis Thrombosis and Vascular Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 6, 2025

Unravelling how meteorological conditions cause changes in atmospheric fine-particle concentration

A new study published in Atmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters explores the relationship between meteorological conditions and PM2.5 concentrations, finding that wind speed, temperature, and humidity play a crucial role in pollutant accumulation and dispersion. The joint data assimilation system developed by the research team improve...

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateJan 6, 2025

A healthy diet is key to a healthy gut microbiome

A large-scale study analyzed the gut microbiomes of over 21,500 individuals and found that vegan diets had the healthiest microbiomes, followed by vegetarians and omnivores. The researchers discovered unique microbial signatures for each dietary pattern, with vegans having more beneficial bacteria associated with fiber fermentation.

SourceUniversità di Trento·JournalNature Microbiology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 6, 2025

GLP-1 RA medications safe and very effective for treating obesity in adults without diabetes

A systematic review of randomized controlled trials found GLP-1 RAs and co-agonists to be effective for weight loss in adults with obesity, including promising options not yet FDA-approved. The study also showed similar safety profiles across agents, with mild gastrointestinal side effects being the most common.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateJan 6, 2025

Floods linked to rise in US deaths from several major causes

A study in Nature Medicine reveals large floods are associated with higher death rates from major mortality causes, including infectious diseases and cardiovascular conditions. Floods disproportionately affect older people and females, with increased risks of injury deaths and neuropsychiatric conditions.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalNature Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 6, 2025

Healthier mothers, healthier babies: Iron infusion trial could transform pregnancy care worldwide

A single iron infusion in the third trimester significantly reduces anaemia in pregnant women, with a lower prevalence at delivery compared to iron tablets. The treatment also boosts iron stores postpartum, offering a potential game-changer for maternal care and birth outcomes worldwide.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalNature Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 6, 2025

Core-membrane microstructured amine-modified mesoporous biochar templated via ZnCl2/KCl for CO2 capture

Researchers develop core-membrane microstructured amine-modified mesoporous biochar for efficient CO2 capture, demonstrating exceptional sorption capacity and thermal stability. The innovative material shows promise in mitigating climate change through cost-efficient and sustainable CO2 capture technologies.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers in Energy·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 6, 2025