ScienceDaily: All - December 15, 2023
Today's top research news
Scientists measure the distance to stars by their music
A team of astronomers has used asteroseismology, or the study of stellar oscillations, to accurately measure the distance of stars from the Earth. Their research examined thousands of stars and checked the measurements taken during the Gaia mission to study the near Universe.
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Endocrine-disrupting chemicals found in menstrual products
A new systematic review furthers our understanding of the amount of potentially harmful chemicals in menstrual-related products. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals can interfere with human hormones and cause medical issues.Â
Study shows exposure to household chemicals can lower odds of getting pregnant
Exposure to phthalates, a group of plasticizing and solvent chemicals found in many household products, was linked to a lower probability of getting pregnant, but not to pregnancy loss, according to research by environmental and reproductive epidemiologists.
Revolutionary seaweed and carbonated water based hydrogel for treating skin wounds
Hydrogels have demonstrated promise for effectively treating skin wounds. However, currently available hydrogels adhere to the skin and swell when absorbing fluid discharge, causing the wound site to expand during the initial stages of recovery. Now, researchers have developed a novel type of hydrogel using a biocompatible substance found in seaweed. This hydrogel results in lower adhesion and swelling, but provides a high therapeutic effect, promising recovery without wound expansion.  Â
Researchers discover first ever link between hemoglobin-like protein and normal heart development
Researchers have discovered that a certain kind of protein similar to hemoglobin, called cytoglobin, plays an important role in the development of the heart. Specifically, it affects the correct left-right pattern of the heart and other asymmetric organs. The findings could eventually lead to the development of new therapeutic interventions to alter the processes that lead to these defects.
New red galaxies turn out to be already known blue galaxies
Not all discoveries turn out to be actual new discoveries. This was the case for the extremely red objects (EROs) found in James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) data. Analysis shows that they are very similar to blue-excess dust obscured galaxies (BluDOGs) already reported in Subaru Telescope data.
'Long flu' has emerged as a consequence similar to long COVID
New research comparing the viruses that cause the flu and COVID-19 shows that people hospitalized with seasonal influenza also can suffer long-term, negative health effects, especially involving their lungs and airways. The study also found that in the 18 months after infection, patients hospitalized for either COVID-19 or seasonal influenza faced an increased risk of death, hospital readmission, and other health problems.
Morocco earthquake had unusual deep slip, according to new modeling
In their rapid characterization of the magnitude 6.8 Al Haouz earthquake in Morocco, researchers suggest that the earthquake ruptured roughly 25 kilometers deep beneath the surface.
A new analysis sheds light on the ancestry and genetics of woolly dogs, a now extinct breed of dog that was a fixture of Indigenous Coast Salish communities in the Pacific Northwest for millennia. Anthropologists and biologists analyzed genetic clues preserved in the pelt of 'Mutton,' the only known woolly dog fleece in the world, to pinpoint the genes responsible for their highly sought-after woolly fur. The study's findings include interviews contributed by several Coast Salish co-authors, including Elders, Knowledge Keepers and Master Weavers, who provided crucial context about the role woolly dogs played in Coast Salish society.
Ancient DNA reveals how a chicken virus evolved to become more deadly
An international team of scientists led by geneticists and disease biologists has used ancient DNA to trace the evolution of Marek's Disease Virus (MDV). This global pathogen causes fatal infections in unvaccinated chickens and costs the poultry industry over $1 billion per year. The findings show how viruses evolve to become more virulent and could lead to the development of better ways to treat viral infections.
Can you change a chicken into a frog, a fish or a chameleon?
Researchers have developed a theoretical framework that can reproduce and predict the patterns associated with gastrulation in a chicken embryo.  Â
Seals stay warm and hydrated in the Arctic with larger, more convoluted nasal passages
Arctic seals have evolved many adaptations to cope with their frosty environment -- one that you might not immediately think of is the bones in their nasal cavity. Arctic seals have more convoluted nasal passages than seal species that live in milder environments, and researchers report that these structures help the seals more efficiently retain heat and moisture as they breathe in and out.
A promising pairing: Scientists demonstrate new combination of materials for quantum science
For the first time, scientists publish results on a new chip composed of diamond and lithium niobate. The results demonstrate the combination as a promising candidate for quantum devices.
Move over Blitzen: Geese outpace reindeer impacts on Arctic ecosystems
A research team is studying how expanding populations of two local herbivores -- reindeer and geese -- on Svalbard will impact the future of the ecosystem on the islands.Â
Researchers sought to investigate whether socioeconomically vulnerable households experienced longer power outage durations after extreme weather events. The team analyzed data from the top eight major Atlantic hurricanes between 2017 and 2020 that knocked out power for over 15 million customers in nine states across the southeastern U.S. The team found that people in lower socioeconomic tiers wait significantly longer to have power restored after a major storm -- nearly three hours longer on average. Â
Jurors recommend death penalty based on looks, but new training can correct the bias
A new study shows that people use facial appearance to make sentencing decisions, and finds an intervention to counter the bias.