ScienceDaily: All - August 20, 2024
Today's top research news
Heart data unlocks sleep secrets
Computer science researchers have developed an approach that matches the performance of expert-scored polysomnography using just a single-lead echocardiogram. In addition to simplifying a typically expensive and cumbersome process, this insight highlights a deeper connection between the heart and the brain than previously understood.
Image: Vanz Studio/Shutterstock.com
Scientists have developed a model capable of predicting the cycle lives of high-energy-density lithium-metal batteries by applying machine learning methods to battery performance data. The model proved able to accurately estimate batteries' longevity by analyzing their charge, discharge and voltage relaxation process data without relying on any assumption about specific battery degradation mechanisms. The technique is expected to be useful in improving the safety and reliability of devices powered by lithium-metal batteries.
Using AI to find the polymers of the future
Finding the next groundbreaking polymer is always a challenge, but now researchers are using artificial intelligence (AI) to shape and transform the future of the field.
For some older adults with kidney failure, dialysis may not be the best option
A recent study found that frail older patients who waited to start dialysis died only nine days earlier on average -- and spent more time at home -- than those who began treatment immediately.
Researchers develop an instant version of trendy, golden turmeric milk
If you've visited a trendy cafe in the past few years, you might have noticed 'golden' turmeric milk on the menu. This fancy drink is caffeine-free, coffee-free and can even be vegan. And now, researchers have developed an efficient method to make a powdered, plant-based, instant version that maintains the beneficial properties of the ingredients while also extending its shelf life.
Peering into the mind of artificial intelligence to make better antibiotics
Artificial intelligence (AI) has exploded in popularity as of late. But just like a human, it's hard to read an AI model's mind. Explainable AI (XAI) could help us do just that by providing justification for a model's decisions. And now, researchers are using XAI to scrutinize predictive AI models more closely, which could help make better antibiotics.
Evidence stacks up for poisonous books containing toxic dyes
Some of the attractive hues of brightly colored, cloth-bound books from the Victorian era come from dyes that could pose a health risk to readers, collectors or librarians. The latest research on these 'poison books' used three techniques -- including one that hasn't previously been applied to books -- to assess dangerous dyes in a university collection and found some volumes had levels that might be unsafe.
Improving access to heart-failure screening with saliva
Heart failure is a leading cause of death worldwide and is especially deadly for people who don't have access to medical facilities. A team of researchers aims to bring heart failure screening from the lab to the home with a point-of-care electrochemical biosensor prototype that measures levels of two biomarkers for heart failure in as little as 15 minutes from just a drop of saliva.
Expanding a child's heart implant with light
Children born with certain heart defects undergo a series of invasive surgeries early in life. The first surgery includes implantation of a shunt to improve blood flow. However, as children grow, the shunt must be replaced to accommodate their changing bodies. Now, researchers report designing a shunt that expands when activated by light. This device could reduce the number of open-chest surgeries these children receive.
Action plan to help patients with lung disease cope with wildfire smoke
A multidisciplinary team has developed an action plan to help patients with respiratory diseases mitigate the consequences of poor air quality from wildfires.
Study explains why laws are written in an incomprehensible style
A new study on 'legalese' suggests this convoluted language acts to convey a sense of authority in legal documents. The researchers also found that even non-lawyers use legalese when asked to write laws.
Researchers develop index to quantify circular bioeconomy
As the world faces the challenges of mitigating climate change and providing resources for a growing population, there is increasing focus on developing circular economies for sustainable production. But to evaluate strategies and impacts, it is necessary to have reliable metrics. Researchers have now developed a Circularity Index that provides a comprehensive method to quantify circularity in bioeconomic systems. In a new paper, they outline the method and apply it to two case studies -- a corn/soybean farming operation and the entire U.S. food and agriculture system.
Key biofuel-producing microalga believed to be a single species is actually three
When a global pandemic forced previous a graduate student out of the lab and onto the computer, he found a world of difference hidden in the long-studied species of Botryoccocus braunii -- and discovered that it isn't one species at all, but three.
Less severe forest fires can reduce intensity of future blazes
How 'winner and loser effects' impact social rank in animals -- and humans
A new article provides a narrative review of the relevant similarities and distinctions between nonhumans and humans to assess the causes and consequences of winner and loser effects in humans.
New way to control the sense of touch
Researchers have found a new way to manage the receptors that control the sense of touch, which could lead to treating chronic pain more effectively. Using phosphatidic acid as a regulator of the sense of touch may lead to better pain relief.
Researchers report that deforestation during the last two decades induced a higher warming and cloud level rise than that caused by climate change, which threatens biodiversity and water supply in African montane forests.
New insights on how bird flu crosses the species barrier
The avian influenza virus needs to mutate to cross the species barrier and to infect and replicate within mammalian cells. Scientists have now deciphered the structure of the avian influenza virus's polymerase when it interacts with a human protein essential for the virus to replicate within the cell. The structure of this replication complex provides important information about the mutations that avian influenza polymerase must undergo to adapt to mammals, including humans. These results can help scientists monitor the evolution and adaptability of bird flu strains, such as H5N1 or H7N9, towards infecting other species.
Urban street networks, building density shape severity of floods
The design of streets and layout of buildings have an impact on a city's resilience in the face of increasingly severe floods brought on by climate change. Researchers look at buildings and other urban structures as physicists consider elements in complex material systems. With this insight, the researchers have developed a new approach to urban flood modelling and found their results helpful in analyzing city-to-city variations in flood risk globally.
Searching old stem cells that stay young forever
The sea anemone Nematostella vectensis is potentially immortal. Using molecular genetic methods, developmental biologists have now identified possible candidates for multipotent stem cells in the sea anemone for the first time. These stem cells are regulated by evolutionary highly conserved genes.
DNA replication mechanism in pluripotent stem cells
Embryonic stem (ES) cells are pluripotent stem cells that can produce all cell types of an organism. ES cells proliferate rapidly and have been thought to experience high levels of intrinsic replication stress. However, a recent report challenges this assumption by providing a detailed molecular investigation of replication dynamics in these cells.
Preservation of organic carbon in the ocean floor
The preservation of organic carbon in marine sediments has long been a key question remaining unclear in understanding the long-term carbon cycling on Earth. Recently, scientists have gained new insights into the dynamic cycling of iron-bound organic carbon in subseafloor sediments.
Potential link between DNA markers and aging process
Researchers have uncovered DNA markers associated with retroelements, remnants of ancient viral genetic material, in our genes that act as highly accurate epigenetic clocks predicting chronological age. The results support the idea that certain retroelements in the human genome may be involved in aging.
Swiping through online videos increases boredom
Swiping through online videos to relieve boredom may actually make people more bored and less satisfied or engaged with the content, according to new research.
Low cortisol, hair-trigger stress response in the brain may underlie Long COVID
A new animal study shows that exposure to immune-stimulating proteins left behind by COVID-19 leads to lower cortisol, brain inflammation and a heightened reaction to subsequent stressors.
What time the malaria-bearing mosquito bites you might make a difference
Circadian rhythms appear to influence vulnerability to malaria parasites.
Weight-loss success depends on eating more protein, fiber while limiting calories
Flexibility and personalization were key in optimizing dieters' weight-loss success on the Individualized Diet Improvement Program, created by food scientists.
A new study found that using ChatGPT-4 to read medical notes from Emergency Department admissions to determine whether injured scooter and bicycle riders were wearing a helmet finds that AI can't yet do this reliably.
Preliminary study shows potential of Manuka honey as a nutraceutical for breast cancer
A new study found that Manuka honey could potentially be an alternative, natural option for breast cancer prevention and treatment -- particularly for estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer, the most common subtype of breast cancer that accounts for about 70-80% of all breast cancer cases.
Spider exploits firefly's flashing signals to lure more prey
Fireflies rely on flashing signals to communicate to other fireflies using light-emitting lanterns on their abdomens. In fireflies of the species Abscondita terminalis, males make multi-pulse flashes with two lanterns to attract females, while females make single-pulse flashes with their one lantern to attract males. Now researchers have evidence that an orb-weaving spider (Araneus ventricosus) manipulates the flashing signals of male fireflies ensnared in its web such that they mimic the typical flashes of a female firefly, thereby luring other males to serve as their next meal.
Taming Parkinson's disease with intelligent brain pacemakers
Two new studies are pointing the way toward round-the-clock personalized care for people with Parkinson's disease through an implanted device that can treat movement problems during the day and insomnia at night.
Self-adjusting brain pacemaker may help reduce Parkinson's disease symptoms
A small feasibility study found that an implanted device regulated by the body's brain activity could provide continual and improved treatment for the symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD) in certain people with the disorder. This type of treatment, called adaptive deep brain stimulation (aDBS), is an improvement on a technique that has been used for PD and other brain disorders for many years. The study found aDBS was markedly more effective at controlling PD symptoms compared to conventional DBS treatments.
U.S. pediatric inpatient psychiatric bed capacity did not change 2017 -- 2020, despite increases in pediatric mental health emergency visits, according to a new study . Researchers also found substantial geographic variation in inpatient psychiatric bed capacity per 100,000 children, ranging from zero in Alaska to 75 in Arkansas. Over 90 percent of pediatric inpatient beds are in urban centers, raising concerns for youth living in rural areas.
Mining the microbiome: Uncovering new antibiotics inside the human gut
Researchers surveyed the gut microbiomes of nearly 2,000 people, discovering dozens of potential new antibiotics. The lead candidate, prevotellin-2, demonstrated anti-infective capabilities on par with polymyxin B, an FDA-approved antibiotic used today to treat multidrug-resistant infections, suggesting that the human gut microbiome may contain antibiotics that will someday find clinical application.
AI model aids early detection of autism
A new machine learning model can predict autism in young children from relatively limited information. The model can facilitate early detection of autism, which is important to provide the right support.
Research study examines Alzheimer's disease drug on tissue samples from people with Down syndrome
People with Down syndrome are likely to develop Alzheimer's disease at a young age, with autopsy studies showing that by age 40 years, the brains of individuals with Down syndrome have amyloid plaques. Yet people with Down syndrome have been excluded from or underrepresented in clinical trials of new therapies for treating AD.
Nurses play key role in addressing mental well-being for people after a stroke
The latest research indicates that 16% to 85% of people recovering from a stroke experience at least one psychosocial symptom, including depression, anxiety, stress, fatigue and/or decreased quality of life. Critical nursing interventions, such as regular mental health screenings, education, symptom management and follow-up care, are key to reducing the negative effects on a patient's mental well-being after a stroke, yet only a small proportion of patients receive treatment.