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Science News for January 9, 2025


From light sensing to adaptive learning: Reconfigurable memcapacitive devices in neuromorphic computing

A new MOSCap device using Hafnium diselenide replicates neuron-like adaptive behavior and memory retention, enabling faster data processing and adaptive capabilities. The device maintains its data stability under stressing conditions and preserves data after removal of light stimuli.

UNH researchers use AI to categorize database with 700 million aurora images

Researchers at the University of New Hampshire developed an AI-powered algorithm to categorize over 706 million aurora images from NASA's THEMIS data set. This labeled database can help scientists better understand and forecast geomagnetic storms that disrupt vital communications and security infrastructure.

SourceUniversity of New Hampshire·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Machine Learning and Computation·DateJan 9, 2025

New glucose monitoring method could revolutionize diabetes management by eliminating finger-sticks for blood samples

Researchers at Binghamton University have developed a new paper-based biosensor system that uses bacterial spores to monitor glucose levels in sweat, eliminating the need for finger-stick devices. The system is shelf-stable, self-replicating, and can endure harsh environments, making it a promising alternative for diabetes management.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalMicrosystems & Nanoengineering·DateJan 9, 2025

Researchers achieve real-time detection of low gas concentrations

Scientists have created a new method for quickly detecting and identifying very low concentrations of gases, offering promise for real-time monitoring in environmental, health, and industrial applications. The approach uses a coherent control strategy to enhance the sensitivity of quartz-enhanced photoacoustic spectroscopy.

SourceOptica·JournalOptica·DateJan 9, 2025

Transfer learning-enhanced physics-informed neural network (TLE-PINN): A breakthrough in melt pool prediction for laser melting

Researchers developed TLE-PINN to predict melt pool morphology in selective laser melting, achieving superior accuracy and faster training times. The framework combines physics-informed constraints with deep learning techniques, enabling precise and efficient solutions for real-time process control and manufacturing optimization.

SourceELSP·JournalAdvanced Manufacturing·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 9, 2025

The basis of voluntary movements: A groundbreaking study in ‘Science’ reveals the brain mechanisms controlling natural actions

Researchers at the University of Parma and Sant'Anna School in Pisa developed a new approach to understand how the brain controls spontaneous movements in natural situations. The study used telemetric devices to record hundreds of neurons from the brains of monkeys, revealing complex synergies between individual neurons that allow for ...

SourceSant’Anna School of Advanced Studies, Pisa·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 9, 2025

A third of UK public ‘tolerant’ of petty corruption

Researchers found that up to 34% of the British public considered acts like nepotism or bribery acceptable during the vaccine rollout. The study also discovered an association between public tolerance of petty corruption and vaccine rollout speed, with slower rollouts in areas where tolerance was higher. Lead author Dr Franziska Sohns ...

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·TypeSurvey·DateJan 9, 2025

University Hospitals and Case Western Reserve University collaborative science pilot awards infuse $250,000 to accelerate five promising research projects

The Collaborative Science Pilot Awards program aims to inspire innovative research projects across UH and Case Western Reserve. Five teams will focus on organizing an MR Fingerprinting database, developing a genetic risk aid for early keratoconus detection, analyzing Alzheimer's treatment mechanisms, treating gastrointestinal symptoms ...

NTU Singapore-led discovery poised to help detect dark matter and pave the way to unravel the universe’s secrets

Researchers from NTU Singapore have developed a new crystal structure that shows naturally existing particles can behave like axions, promising to detect dark matter. The findings could lay the groundwork for understanding cosmic phenomena and uncovering the universe's greatest mysteries.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 9, 2025

Hidden transport pathways in graphene confirmed, paving the way for next-generation device innovation

Researchers from Pohang University of Science & Technology confirm the existence of hidden transport pathways in graphene, which enables faster and more efficient data handling. The study sheds light on the 'Valley Hall Effect' and its role in nonlocal resistance, providing crucial insights for advancing valleytronics device design.

Influence of radiotherapy on miRNA dynamics in urine extracellular vesicles

Researchers found that radiotherapy affects the levels of microRNAs in urine extracellular vesicles, making them a promising diagnostic tool for prostate cancer. The study identified specific miRNA ratios with high sensitivity and specificity, showing their potential to evaluate treatment response and track disease progression.

SourceELSP·JournalExRNA·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 9, 2025

Gaza: 64,000 deaths due to violence between October 2023 and June 2024, analysis suggests

A new study by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine estimates 64,260 traumatic injury deaths in Gaza between October 2023 and June 2024. The analysis found that approximately 3% of Gaza's population has died due to violence, with women, children, and the elderly disproportionately affected.

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalThe Lancet·TypeObservational study·DateJan 9, 2025

Physical neglect as damaging to children’s social development as abuse

A new study by University of Illinois professors Christina Kamis and Molly Copeland found that physical neglect disrupts all three dimensions of children's structural peer relationships: sociality, popularity, and social network cohesion. Maltreated youth are less social, more withdrawn, and have fragmented relationships.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalChild Abuse & Neglect·TypeSurvey·DateJan 9, 2025

Holistic integrative medicine declaration

The Holistic Integrative Medicine (HIM) approach views the human body as an integrated whole, integrating advanced medical knowledge with effective clinical practices. Key findings include a focus on social, environmental, and psychological conditions influencing biological health.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 9, 2025

Primordial naked singularities: Nature’s quantum gravity laboratories pervading the universe?

Researchers suggest that gravitational collapse in the early universe could give rise to incredibly dense point-like objects, namely visible or naked singularities. This ultra-strong gravity condition provides a unique opportunity to probe new fundamental aspects of physics, including quantum gravity. The possibility of PNaSs accountin...

SourceTata Institute of Fundamental Research·JournalJournal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics·DateJan 9, 2025

Expanded research on COPD and metabolic syndrome would advance patient-centered care

Additional research is required to explore the relationship between COPD and metabolic syndrome, focusing on outcomes, intervention trials, and health services research. This will help shift from a COPD-focused approach to an integrated care approach considering all comorbidities.

SourceCOPD Foundation·JournalChronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases Journal of the COPD Foundation·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJan 9, 2025

Mount Sinai-led team enhances automated method to detect common sleep disorder affecting millions

A Mount Sinai-led team has developed an automated machine learning method that analyzes video recordings of clinical sleep tests to detect REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD) with nearly 92% accuracy. RBD is a sleep condition that causes abnormal movements during REM sleep and is often an early sign of Parkinson's disease or dementia.

Nothin’ but pawpaws in the pawpaw patch

New research from Washington University in St. Louis found that pawpaw patches reduce herbaceous plant species diversity and total understory community size, creating a habitat where the rules of competition are more random. The presence of pawpaws also makes it challenging for land managers to encourage the growth of understory species.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalEcosphere·DateJan 9, 2025

Innovative smart window technology balances heat and visibility control

A new smart window technology combines liquid crystals with nanoporous microparticles and a patterned vanadium dioxide layer to simultaneously control visible light and infrared radiation. The device offers fast, efficient heat and visibility management, marking a significant step forward in energy-efficient building design.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Photonics for Energy·DateJan 9, 2025

Electrifying your workout can boost muscles mass, strength, UTEP study finds

A new meta-analysis published in the European Journal of Applied Physiology found that using neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) while doing resistance training increases muscle mass and strength compared to resistance training alone. The analysis reviewed over a dozen studies and showed that longer training periods yielded bet...

SourceUniversity of Texas at El Paso·JournalEuropean Journal of Applied Physiology·DateJan 9, 2025

A Sustainable Development Goal for space?

Experts propose an 18th SDG to protect Earth's orbit from accumulating debris, citing the need for global consensus and mechanisms for enforcement. The proposal builds on earlier calls for a legally-binding treaty to safeguard the planet's orbital environment.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalOne Earth·TypeSystematic review·DateJan 9, 2025

Interpreting traces of arsenic in rain

The study found that clouds contain significantly more arsenic on average than rainwater, and biological processes play a key role in the global distribution of arsenic. The researchers also detected various types of arsenic compounds in rainwater samples, including methylated forms formed by bacteria and plants.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 9, 2025

Interface engineering of advanced electrocatalysts toward alkaline hydrogen evolution reactions

Researchers explore interface engineering strategies to optimize alkaline electrolysis HER process, including bifunctional catalysts, built-in electric fields, and hydrogen spillover effects. The review highlights the need for precise methods to tailor hetero-interfaces and characterize water molecules at the catalyst/solution interface.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalChinese Journal of Catalysis·DateJan 9, 2025

Conversing with chatbots: What influences trust?

Research reveals that competence and integrity are key factors influencing trust in AI chatbots, with benevolence also playing a role. Personalized chatbots are perceived as more benevolent and competent, but overall trust was not significantly higher than in impersonal chatbots.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalJournal of Experimental Psychology·DateJan 9, 2025

Did prehistoric kangaroos run out of food?

A new study reveals that prehistoric kangaroos in southern Australia had a general diet that allowed them to adapt to environmental changes and climate shifts, contradicting previous assumptions about their survival. The research used advanced dental analysis techniques to study microscopic wear patterns on fossilised teeth.

SourceFlinders University·JournalScience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 9, 2025

Milestone in the field of lung transplantation: improvement in rejection and infection rate thanks to extracorporeal photopheresis

A new study published in the European Respiratory Journal found that extracorporeal photopheresis significantly reduces acute rejection episodes and chronic rejection risk in lung transplant patients. The treatment involves exposure to UV light, leading to apoptosis of immune cells and minimizing side effects.

SourceMedical University of Vienna·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·DateJan 9, 2025

Teaching of intercultural communication calls for increasingly diverse approaches

A new study highlights the need for multiple approaches in teaching intercultural communication, focusing on three cultural perspectives: positivist, interpretive, and critical. Effective teaching emphasizes genuine interaction, acknowledging cultural diversity and examining phenomena from multiple angles.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalBusiness and Professional Communication Quarterly·DateJan 9, 2025

The discourses emerging around the “La Manada” case led to social and legal changes

A study by University of the Basque Country researcher Samara Velte analyzed media content, legal texts, and protests to understand how social identities were constructed and influenced by discourses. The study found that social memory played a major role in shaping the conflict, leading to the passage of the 'Only “yes” means “yes”' law.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalViolence Against Women·DateJan 9, 2025

Physical signals as fate deciders: How mechanical forces extrude cells from tissues

Physical signals from mechanical forces play a crucial role in determining the fate of cells being extruded from tissues. The study reveals that the intensity and duration of these forces determine whether dead or live cells are eliminated, with implications for tissue homeostasis and cancer progression.

SourceMax Planck Institute for the Science of Light·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 9, 2025

Distance affects use of telehealth to access abortion pills

A study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that patients living far from abortion facilities rely more on telehealth and mail for birth-control medications, citing socioeconomic factors as a key factor. The researchers also found that 20% of U.S. abortions now occur through telehealth services.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalJournal of Public Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 9, 2025

Study highlights key factors for successful restoration of elkhorn coral colonies

Elkhorn coral restoration efforts should prioritize shallower depths with faster currents to promote a healthier microbial community. Fine-scale environmental differences between reef habitats are associated with higher elkhorn survivorship, while certain bacteria and elevated nutrients negatively affect survival.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 9, 2025

New Neurology® Open Access journal announced

The American Academy of Neurology has launched a new open access journal called Neurology Open Access. The journal publishes high-quality, peer-reviewed articles in all areas of neurology and clinical neurosciences, aiming to improve decision-making by clinicians and promote brain health. Amy Kunchok is the editor-in-chief of the journal.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateJan 9, 2025

Research Spotlight: Lipid nanoparticle therapy developed to stop tumor growth and restore tumor suppression

Researchers developed a novel approach using lipid nanoparticles to deliver mRNA and siRNA, restoring tumor suppressors and inhibiting tumor drivers in prostate cancer cells. This technique holds promise for treating various types of cancer by targeting specific pathways related to tumor growth and suppression.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalACS Nanoscience Au·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 9, 2025

Shade plants in the spotlight

Researchers discovered that plants in shaded conditions receive a larger proportion of green and far-red light, which contributes to photosynthesis. This finding may help growers develop new methods for supplementing natural sunlight with colored light.

SourceUtrecht University·JournalPlant Cell & Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 9, 2025