ScienceDaily: All - December 17, 2024
Today's top research news
The psychological implications of Big Brother's gaze
A new psychological study has shown that when people know they are under surveillance it generates an automatic response of heightened awareness of being watched, with implications for public mental health.
Image: Wit Olszewski/Shutterstock.com
Microchips capable of detecting and diagnosing diseases
Researchers have developed microchips using field-effect transistors that can detect multiple diseases from a single air sample with high sensitivity. The technology enables rapid testing and could lead to portable diagnostic devices for home and medical use.
Corals depend on near neighbors to reproduce
A new study reveals corals must be within only a few meters of each other to successfully reproduce, leaving them vulnerable in a warming world.
Shrubs can help or hinder a forest's recovery after wildfire
When and where to plant tree seedlings to restore forests after wildfires has a lot to do with shrubs, finds a new study.
Electric vehicle transition could create unwanted air pollution hotspots in China and India
New research has uncovered a potential unintended consequence of the electric vehicle transition in India and China, finding that sulfur dioxide emissions could actually increase over current levels if the countries were to fully onshore their electric vehicle supply chains. The overwhelming majority of those emissions would come from refining and manufacturing nickel and cobalt -- important minerals for today's electric vehicle batteries.
Despite the population being almost four times larger than it was in 1982, a new study published in the journal Ecology suggests the northern muriqui monkeys remain at risk, especially in the face of ongoing habitat disturbances.
Detailed bedbug genome analysis may improve pesticides
Scientists now have a better genetic understanding of the insect. The research offers an updated genome analysis of the common bedbug Cimex lectularius, providing new insight for those working to prevent bedbug infestation, develop remediation strategies and track pesticide resistance.
New paper examines the elusive nature of liquid brines on Mars
The combination of low temperature, atmospheric pressure and water vapor pressure on Mars means any liquid water found there would likely freeze, boil or evaporate immediately, making its presence unlikely.
Staying sharp: Study explores how brain changes may affect financial skills
A new article sheds light on how age-related changes may affect the way we handle finances -- and how we can stay sharp as we age.
Across southeastern US, weedy rice steals herbicide resistance from crop rice
A new study shows that more than half of the weedy rice sampled in the rice-growing region of the southeastern U.S. has become herbicide resistant.
New study finds marine animals save energy by swimming in a depth 'sweet spot'
Researchers have found that marine animals across mammals, birds and reptiles swim at similar relative depths when traveling and not feeding to save energy.
Breathing coordinates brain rhythms for memory consolidation during sleep
Just as a conductor coordinates different instruments in an orchestra to produce a symphony, breathing coordinates hippocampal brain waves to strengthen memory while we sleep, reports a new study. This is the first time breathing rhythms during sleep have been linked to these hippocampal brain waves -- called slow waves, spindles and ripples -- in humans. Scientists knew these waves were linked to memory but their underlying driver was unknown.
Naughty or Nice? Many parents rely on threats to manage misbehavior -- from no dessert to no Santa
When young children's behavior becomes challenging, many parents resort to threats -- from taking away toys to threatening that Santa will skip their house, a national poll suggests.
Exploring excited state dynamics: Advancements in fluorescence and material design
Excited state dynamics are essential for understanding fluorescence properties in molecules, impacting their application in technologies. Recent research explores how molecular structure and geometry influence light emission in aggregation-induced emission molecules. The study reveals that changes in molecular shape affect emission behavior in both solution and solid states. These insights are crucial for advancing applications like organic light-emitting diodes and bioimaging, enabling innovations in material design and energy interactions.
Can lab-grown neurons exhibit plasticity?
This bioengineering breakthrough has found a way to make neurons grown in a dish react just like the real thing.
Scientists develop a high-performance photoacoustic endoscopy featuring a transparent ultrasound transducer.
Making the most of Switzerland's wood
Sustainable, renewable and good for the climate: Wood is the material of the future. But how much of it do we actually have and how do we make best use of it? Researchers have now analyzed the material flows of wood in Switzerland in detail -- and discovered untapped opportunities.
Researchers have discovered a process that breaks down mRNA molecules in the human body particularly efficiently. This could be useful, for example, in the treatment of cancer.
Physics and emote design: Quantifying clarity in digital images
When analyzing artworks, understanding the visual clarity of compositions is crucial. Inspired by digital artists, researchers have created a metric to quantify clarity in digital images. As a result, scientists can accurately capture changes in structure during artistic processes and physical transformations. This new metric can improve analysis and decision-making across the scientific and creative domains, potentially transforming how we understand and evaluate the structure of images. It has been tested on digital artworks and physical systems.
Problems developed faster among gamers who started early
People who started playing video games at an early school age developed problematic gaming more quickly compared to those who started playing a few years later.
Targeting a brain enzyme to curb obesity
Endocannabinoids in the brain play a key role in food intake and energy use. Modulating the action of these molecules could help fight obesity, say researchers.
Does the exoplanet Trappist-1 b have an atmosphere after all?
Recent measurements with the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) cast doubt on the current understanding of the exoplanet Trappist-1 b's nature. Until now, it was assumed to be a dark rocky planet without an atmosphere, shaped by a billion-year-long cosmic impact of radiation and meteorites. The opposite appears to be true. The surface shows no signs of weathering, which could indicate geological activity such as volcanism and plate tectonics. Alternatively, a planet with a hazy atmosphere composed of carbon dioxide is also viable. The results demonstrate the challenges of determining the properties of exoplanets with thin atmospheres.
Unlocking the journey of gold through magmatic fluids
When one tectonic plate sinks beneath another, it generates magmas rich in volatiles such as water, sulphur and chlorine. As these magmas ascend, they release magmatic fluids, in which sulphur and chlorine bind to metals such as gold and copper, and transport these metals towards the surface of the Earth. As the extreme conditions relevant to natural magmas are very difficult to reproduce in the laboratory, the precise role of the different forms of sulphur in metal transport remains highly debated. However, an innovative approach has demonstrated that sulphur, in its bisulphide (HS-) form, is crucial for the transport of gold in magmatic fluids.
Scientists develop 3D concrete printing method that captures carbon dioxide
Scientists have developed a 3D concrete printing method that captures carbon, demonstrating a new pathway to reduce the environmental impact of the construction industry.
New simulation method sharpens our view into Earth's interior
How does the Earth generate its magnetic field? While the basic mechanisms seem to be understood, many details remain unresolved. A team of researchers has introduced a simulation method that promises new insights into the Earth's core. The method simulates not only the behavior of atoms, but also the magnetic properties of materials. The approach is significant for geophysics, but could also support the development of future technologies such as neuromorphic computing -- an innovative approach to more efficient AI systems.
It's worth mixing it up: what combination of policies will lead to a clean energy future?
How can we ensure that as many households as possible adopt not only solar panels, but also their own battery to store solar energy, a heat pump, and an electric car? Researchers have looked into just this question.
Every cell has a story: Tumor and immune cell interactions within craniopharyngiomas
Craniopharyngiomas are brain tumors that negatively impact the hormonal function of the nearby pituitary. The tumor location often prevents necessary surgical intervention. Alternative pharmacological therapy requires an in-depth understanding of the tumor molecular characteristics. To address this gap, researchers analyzed gene expression within individual tumor cells. This study reports the molecular features and interactions of tumor and immune cells associated with two craniopharyngioma subtypes that will help identify future targeted therapeutics.
Flavonoid powerhouse: Kaempferol's role in taming allergic responses
Food allergies affect millions of people worldwide, and flavonoids are promising natural compounds to help modulate the immune response and treat inflammation caused by these allergies. In a recent study, researchers have identified that kaempferol, a flavonoid, produces an anti-inflammatory effect through regulatory T-cell development. This occurred through increased RADLH2 expression in dendritic cells via AhR-mediated and PU.1/IRF-4 dependent mechanisms. Additionally, kaempferol suppressed several allergic symptoms in mice with food allergies.
Blood test could make cancer treatments safer and more effective
Scientists have developed a new blood test that could screen cancer patients to help make their treatment safer and more effective.
Breaking barriers: Study uses AI to interpret American Sign Language in real-time
A study is the first-of-its-kind to recognize American Sign Language (ASL) alphabet gestures using computer vision. Researchers developed a custom dataset of 29,820 static images of ASL hand gestures. Each image was annotated with 21 key landmarks on the hand, providing detailed spatial information about its structure and position. Combining MediaPipe and YOLOv8, a deep learning method they trained, with fine-tuning hyperparameters for the best accuracy, represents a groundbreaking and innovative approach that hasn't been explored in previous research.
Scientists can now predict how climate change will alter plant growth cycles
On February 2, 1887, residents of Punxsutawney Pennsylvania consulted a large rodent regarding the arrival of spring, marking the first official celebration of Groundhog Day. Our ability to predict the timing of seasons hasn't improved much since then, but a new study is set to make seasonal forecasting a lot more reliable.
Treating prostate cancer with novel platinum complex via targeting androgen receptor signaling
Prostate cancer, especially in advanced stages such as castration-resistant prostate cancer, is challenging to treat. Traditional therapies targeting androgen receptor (AR) signaling have limited efficacy. In a recent study, researchers investigated the potential of azolato-bridged dinuclear platinum(II) complexes, particularly 5-H-Y, as promising alternatives. Their findings highlight the complex's ability to inhibit AR signaling and induce cell death in prostate cancer cells, providing a new avenue for prostate cancer treatment.
New research about drought impacts on wildlife can inform conservation strategies
New research shows that many wildlife species in the U.S., like the endangered giant kangaroo rat, will face much more frequent and severe droughts in the future. By 2050-2080, year-long droughts could happen almost five times as often, and three-year droughts almost seven times as often compared to past decades. These changes will require animals to adapt significantly. Scientists have identified areas with high biodiversity and high risk that can help managers focus attention for conservation efforts. The southwestern U.S. is a critical area where many species will be more affected by increased droughts.
Bioengineered yeast microbes as targeted drug delivery systems
Researchers have developed a groundbreaking way to engineer yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) to create microbial communities that can perform complex tasks and self-regulate their composition in response to external signals.
Study assesses virulence of Cryptococcus strains, laying groundwork for improved treatment
A lab has completed a six-year study to examine the virulence of 38 clinical isolates from various strains of Cryptococcus.
Anthropologists call for tracking and preservation of human artifacts on Mars
Anthropologists argue physical artifacts of human exploration on Mars deserve cataloging, preservation and care in order to chronicle humanity's first attempts at interplanetary exploration.
In the U.S., atrial fibrillation (AF), a heart condition that causes an irregular heartbeat in the upper chambers of the heart, affects up to one in three people in their lifetime. Significant complications associated with this condition include ischemic stroke, heart failure, myocardial infarction, chronic kidney disease, dementia and mortality. In a new review article scientists summarize the current evidence regarding the epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis and management of AF.
New drug shows promise against Duchenne muscular dystrophy
A novel drug holds promise for treating Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), a rare genetic disorder that causes severe muscle degeneration. Researchers have discovered that an experimental compound called K884 can boost the natural repair abilities of muscle stem cells. Current treatments can slow muscle damage, but don't address the root problem.
Influenza virus genome: Finally discovered in its coat
To fight the virus that causes influenza, one of the avenues being explored by scientists is the development of drugs capable of destabilizing its genome, made up of RNA molecules. But the challenge is daunting: each RNA molecule is tightly bound to an assembly of proteins which creates a double helix, forming a protective coat that is difficult to manipulate.
Staphylococcus aureus thwarts vaccines by turning on a protein that halts immune response
After dozens of clinical trials, there are still no effective vaccines against Staphylococcus aureus. In two new studies, scientists report that the pathogen turns on the protein interleukin 10, shutting down the protective vaccine response. But blocking the protein restores vaccine efficacy in an animal model.
Molecular events leading to Rett syndrome
Researchers have gained new insights into the molecular changes leading to Rett syndrome, a severe neurological disorder caused by mutations in the MeCP2 gene encoding methyl-CpG binding protein 2 (MeCP2). The team reports that loss of MeCP2 in adulthood causes immediate progressive dysregulation of hundreds of genes -- some are activated while others are suppressed -- and these changes occur well before any measurable deficiencies in neurological function.
Yeast as food emulsifier? Easily released protein as strong as casein
Researchers have discovered proteins with emulsifying action that can be readily released from yeast cell walls. One of them exhibited emulsifying activity comparable to that of casein, a milk-derived emulsifier.
Ditch TV and read a book: Research delivers best moves to reduce dementia risk
It's that time of the year when most of us get the chance to sit back and enjoy some well-deserved down time. But whether you reach for the TV controller, or a favorite book, your choice could have implications for your long-term brain health, say researchers.
Butchered bones suggest violent 'othering' of enemies in Bronze Age Britain
Analysis of the remains of at least 37 individuals from Early Bronze Age England finds they were killed, butchered, and probably consumed before being thrown down a 15m-deep shaft. It is the largest-scale example of interpersonal violence from British prehistory. The treatment of the remains was likely a means to dehumanize or 'other' the victims. This massacre was probably revenge for a perceived offense, implying a cycle of violence and questioning the idea that Early Bronze Age Britain was relatively peaceful.