ScienceDaily: All - April 04, 2025
Today's top research news
Western diet causes inflammation, traditional African food protects
A switch of just two weeks from a traditional African diet to a Western diet causes inflammation, reduces the immune response to pathogens, and activates processes associated with lifestyle diseases. Conversely, an African diet rich in vegetables, fiber, and fermented foods has positive effects. This study highlights the significant impact of diet on the immune system and metabolism.
3-D Printed skin to replace animal testing
A research team is developing a 3D-printed skin imitation equipped with living cells in order to test nanoparticles from cosmetics without animal testing.
Picky eaters by day, buffet by night: Butterfly, moth diets sync to plant aromas
The scent of blooming flowers and fresh plant life is not just a perk of springtime; it is a key driver in the survival and evolution of butterflies and moths. New research reveals how the daily cycles of plant aromas are linked to the dietary habits and evolution of the winged insects collectively known as Lepidoptera.
Drug-delivering aptamers target leukemia stem cells for one-two knockout punch
Drug-carrying DNA aptamers can deliver a one-two punch to leukemia by precisely targeting the elusive cancer stem cells that seed cancer relapses, researchers report. The aptamers -- short single-strand snippets of DNA that can target molecules like larger antibodies do -- not only deliver cancer-fighting drugs, but also are themselves toxic to the cancer stem cells, the researchers said.
Physicists uncover electronic interactions mediated via spin waves
Physicists have made a novel discovery regarding the interaction of electronic excitations via spin waves. The finding could open the door to future technologies and advanced applications such as optical modulators, all-optical logic gates, and quantum transducers.
An archaeological study of human settlement during the Final Palaeolithic revealed that populations in Europe did not decrease homogenously during the last cold phase of the Ice Age. Significant variation in regional population sizes indicate differentiated reactions nested in an overall shift of settlement areas towards the east.
Successful therapy confirmed for newborns with the fatal metabolic disorder MoCD type A
Early administration of the drug Fosdenopterin/rcPMP improves the chances of survival of infants with MoCD type A and promotes the development of brain functions.
Researchers developed a manufacturing technique that rapidly generates large quantities of nanoparticles coated with drug-delivering polymers, which hold great potential for treating cancer. The particles can be targeted directly to tumors, where they release their payload while avoiding many of the side effects of traditional chemotherapy.
Researchers find intestinal immune cell prevents food allergies
Researchers found that a small population of immune cells in the mouse intestine prevents allergic responses to food, suggesting that targeting such cells therapeutically could potentially lead to a new treatment for allergies.
New vaccine concept tackles harmful bacteria in the intestine
In the fight against bacterial pathogens, researchers are combining vaccination with targeted colonization of the intestine by harmless microorganisms. This approach could potentially mark a turning point in the antibiotics crisis.
Cellular regulator of mRNA vaccine revealed... offering new therapeutic options
A team of researchers has uncovered a key cellular mechanism that affects the function of mRNA vaccines and therapeutics. Their study provides the first comprehensive understanding of how mRNA vaccines are delivered, processed, and degraded within cells -- a breakthrough that could pave the way for more effective vaccines and RNA-based treatments.
Animal behavioral diversity at risk in the face of declining biodiversity
Drastic declines in biodiversity due to human activities present risks to understanding animal behaviors such as tool use, according to new research. Shrinking animal populations make the study of these behaviors increasingly difficult, underscoring the urgency of targeted conservation efforts and inclusive conservation strategies. Action is needed not only for research, but also to respect our shared cultural heritage with animal species.
A powerful new software platform is set to transform biomedical research by allowing scientists to conduct complex and customized data analyses without advanced programming skills. The web-based platform enables scientists to analyze and visualize their own data independently through an intuitive, interactive interface.
Revealing capillaries and cells in living organs with ultrasound
While medical centers use ultrasound daily, so far this technology has not been capable of observing body tissues at the scale of cells. Physicists have now developed a microscopy technique based on ultrasound to reveal capillaries and cells across living organs -- something that wasn't possible before.
How the brain and inner ear are formed
Researchers have developed a method that shows how the nervous system and sensory organs are formed in an embryo. By labeling stem cells with a genetic 'barcode', they have been able to follow the cells' developmental journey and discover how the inner ear is formed in mice. The discovery could provide important insights for future treatment of hearing loss.
How GPS helps older drivers stay on the roads
New research shows that Sat Nav systems are helping keep older drivers on the roads for longer. The study reveals that over 65s with a poorer sense of direction rely more on help from GPS navigation systems such as Sat Nav or smartphone maps. Those using GPS tended to drive more frequently -- suggesting that the technology helps older people maintain driving independence.
Machine learning helps construct an evolutionary timeline of bacteria
Scientists have helped to construct a detailed timeline for bacterial evolution, suggesting some bacteria used oxygen long before evolving the ability to produce it through photosynthesis.
Runaway battery improves safety
Overheating batteries are a serious risk, in the worst cases leading to fires and explosion. A team has now developed a simple, cost-effective method to test the safety of lithium-ion batteries, which opens up opportunities for research into new and safer batteries for the future. The researchers created an intentionally unstable battery which is more sensitive to changes that could cause overheating. The battery is one-fiftieth the size of conventional batteries, so is less resource intensive and tests can be carried out in a smaller lab environment.
An answer to green energy in hydrogen-generating marine microbes
A genomic study of hydrogen-producing bacteria has revealed entirely new gene clusters capable of producing large volumes of hydrogen.
Since Darwin's time, the phenomenon known as flower constancy -- i.e., where insects consistently visit the same flower type even when many others are also present -- has been understood as a passive behavior to reduce the effort of remembering different flower types. However, researchers have now shown via experimentation with bees that this behavior is an active strategy in which bees balance the time required for memory retrieval and moving between flowers, thereby realizing efficient foraging.
Corpse flowers are threatened by spotty recordkeeping
Plant biologists examined records for nearly 1,200 individual corpse flower plants from 111 institutions around the world. The data and records were severely lacking and not standardized. Without complete information, conservationists were unable to make informed decisions about breeding their plants. Out of the plants studied, 24% were clones and 27% were offspring from closely related individuals. Low genetic diversity could lead to further endangerment and even extinction.
Riding the AI wave toward rapid, precise ocean simulations
Scientists have developed an AI-powered fluid simulation model that significantly reduces computation time while maintaining accuracy. Their approach could aid offshore power generation, ship design and ocean monitoring.
A new CT-scan based risk score facilitates the identification of patients at risk of revision endoscopic sinus surgery due to chronic rhinosinusitis.
Carbon capture technology to produce clean fuel from air
A unique carbon capture technology could offer a more cost-effective way to remove carbon dioxide (CO2) from the air and turn it into clean, synthetic fuel.
New research shines light on how the brain interprets nutritional and hydration needs and turns them into action.
Common phrases, not fancy words, make you sound more fluent in a foreign language
Fluency in a foreign language is often thought to be about speaking quickly and using advanced vocabulary. However, researchers reveal that speakers who use common, everyday expressions sound more fluent than those who rely on rare, complex words. The study highlights the importance of mastering familiar phrases to improve fluency perception, suggesting that learners should naturally incorporate common formulaic expressions in spontaneous speech.
Migrating roach fish have sharper eyesight
Roach fish that migrate between different lakes and water courses have larger pupils and better eyesight than roach fish that stay in one place. The adaptation makes it easier for the red-eyed freshwater migrants to find food in murky waters.
Could targeting Parkinson's outside of the brain improve symptoms?
Parkinson's doesn't just affect movement and the brain -- it may also impact the heart, according to new research. Scientists suggest that targeting a key protein outside of the brain could help manage Parkinson's-related heart issues.
Precision medicine could be possible in the fight against antibiotic resistance
Certain antibiotic-resistant infections could be treated with precision medicine in the future, thanks to a new resource mapping plasmids the ultimate vehicle of rapid bacterial evolution.
How researchers are shining a light on kidney disease
For patients with polycystic kidney disease (PKD), a common genetic disorder that ravages the waste-removing organ with cysts, dialysis and transplantation are among the only treatments. More than 12.4 million people worldwide suffer from the dominant form of the condition. Now, geneticists have uncovered fresh details of how the disease progresses -- findings that could open the door to new therapies.
PEPITEM sequence shows effects in psoriasis, comparable to steroid cream
Scientists have shown that a sequence of just three amino acids may reduce the severity of psoriasis, when applied topically in an emollient cream.
Cognitive decline comes sooner for people with heart failure
There are over six million Americans with heart failure who are at greater risk of losing their cognitive abilities earlier in life, a study suggests. Global cognition and executive functioning declined more rapidly over the years after heart failure diagnosis, as people with the condition mentally aged the equivalent of 10 years within just seven years of a heart failure diagnosis.
Researchers recycle wind turbine blade materials to make improved plastics
A new method to recycle wind turbine blades without using harsh chemicals resulted in the recovery of high-strength glass fibers and resins that allowed researchers to re-purpose the materials to create stronger plastics. The innovation provides a simple and environmentally friendly way to recycle wind turbine blades to create useful products.
Solar wave squeezed Jupiter's magnetic shield to unleash heat
A solar wind event from 2017 that hit Jupiter and compressed its magnetosphere created a hot region spanning half Jupiter's circumference.
Carbon capture could become practical with scalable, affordable materials
Solar cells made of moon dust could power future space exploration
The same dirt that clings to astronauts' boots may one day keep their lights on. Researchers created solar cells made out of simulated Moon dust. The cells convert sunlight into energy efficiently, withstand radiation damage, and mitigate the need for transporting heavy materials into space, offering a potential solution to one of space exploration's biggest challenges: reliable energy sources.
17 modifiable risk factors shared by stroke, dementia, and late-life depression
In a new extensive systematic review, researchers identified 17 modifiable risk factors that are shared by stroke, dementia, and late-life depression. Modifying any one of them can reduce your risk of all three conditions. The findings provide evidence to inform novel tools such as the Brain Care Score.
Monkeys are world's best yodellers -- new research
A new study has found that the world's finest yodellers aren't from Austria or Switzerland, but the rainforests of Latin America. The research provides significant new insights into the diverse vocal sounds of non-human primates, and reveals for the first time how certain calls are produced. The researchers have discovered that special anatomical structures called vocal membranes allow monkeys to introduce 'voice breaks' to their calls. These have the same rapid transitions in frequency heard in Alpine yodelling, or in Tarzan's famous yell, but cover a much wider frequency range.
Organoids have revolutionized science and medicine, providing platforms for disease modeling, drug testing, and understanding developmental processes. While not exact replicas of human organs, they offer significant insights. Scientists now present a new organoid model that reveals details of the developing nervous system's response to viral infections, such as Rubella. This model could influence pharmaceutical testing, particularly benefiting drug safety for pregnant women.
Scientists merge two 'impossible' materials into new artificial structure
An international team has merged two lab-synthesized materials into a synthetic quantum structure once thought impossible to exist and produced an exotic structure expected to provide insights that could lead to new materials at the core of quantum computing.