ScienceDaily: All - December 18, 2024
Today's top research news
Microgravity is known to alter the muscles, bones, the immune system and cogni tion, but little is known about its specific impact on the brain. To discover how brain cells respond to microgravity, scientists sent tiny clumps of stem-cell derived brain cells called 'organoids' to the International Space Station.
Image: Paopano/Shutterstock.com
The social cost of carbon, a crucial tool for setting climate policy, omits key effects
The social cost of carbon -- an important figure global policymakers use to analyze the benefits of climate and energy policies -- is too low, finds a new study.
Prehistoric rock in Japan reveals clues to major ocean anoxic event
Researchers analyzed radioisotopes in layers of fossilized volcanic ash. Decay of uranium to lead within tiny crystals enabled scientists to precisely pinpoint dates for certain events. They determined this event occurred 119.5 million years ago -- coincident with evidence for massive volcanic eruptions -- and lasted for 1.1 million years. Study results help scientists better understand links between atmospheric CO2 levels, climate changes and conditions in the oceans.
Images of crucial cell receptors show promising new drug targets
New research combines two powerful imaging techniques to study the complete structure of a common aGPCR, including how its long and complex extracellular region interacts with the transmembrane region embedded in the cell surface. The different positions and movements of the extracellular region appear to be an important way to activate the receptor.
Physicists 'bootstrap' validity of string theory
Physics: Current generated by the quantum Hall effect has additional magnetic properties
The quantum Hall effect, a fundamental effect in quantum mechanics, not only generates an electric but also a magnetic current. It arises from the motion of electrons on an orbit around the nuclei of atoms. These results can potentially be used to develop new types of inexpensive and energy-efficient devices.
The physics of random stacking: Perspectives on stability and chaos
Pile up blocks until the tower collapses. But why does the tower always end up collapsing? Is it possible that it can be built ad infinitum? A new study explores the fascinating and complex dynamics of the stacking of blocks subjected to hazards.
Event Horizon Telescope: Moving towards a close-up of a black hole and its jets
After taking the first images of black holes, the groundbreaking Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) is poised to reveal how black holes launch powerful jets into space. Now, a research team has shown that the EHT will be able to make exciting images of a supermassive black hole and its jets in the galaxy NGC 1052. The measurements, made with interconnected radio telescopes, also confirm strong magnetic fields close to the black hole's edge.
Salmon genes unlock secrets of puberty and evolution
A study shows how a single gene in Atlantic salmon can dramatically influence the timing of puberty -- a key factor for salmon life cycle and survival.
Almost three quarters of adolescents experience depression or anxiety
Almost three quarters of adolescents in Australia experience clinically significant depression or anxiety symptoms, with most being chronic, according to a new study. And preventive strategies outside our clinics are urgently required to address this considerable public health problem facing the nation.
Travelers weigh in on weight-based airfares for eco-friendly skies
The holidays are in full swing and people are shopping, wrapping and packing to visit loved ones. Along with the extra fees for checked baggage and seat upgrades, some airlines are also considering weight-based pricing. A recent study looked at how people felt about weighing their baggage and themselves to help reduce emissions and found while over half of travelers are not keen about hopping on the scale, some would be open to the idea -- especially if it aligns with their own interests in the environment.
Neural stem cell transplantation shows promise for treating chronic spinal cord injury
Using neural stem cells could help treat spinal injuries once thought to be untreatable -- a new phase 1 trial has determined this approach is safe.
Study maps bed bugs' genomes in unprecedented detail to find out why they just won't die
Near-gap-free and near-error-free genomes of a susceptible bed bug strain and a superstrain with around 20,000-fold insecticide resistance offer the broadest look yet at the full scope of mutations driving their resilience.
New discovery by scientists redefines magnetism
Step into a world so tiny, it defies imagination -- the nanoscale. Picture a single strand of hair, now shrink it a million times. You've arrived. Here, atoms and molecules are the architects of reality, building properties and phenomena that challenge everything we thought we knew -- until now. Researchers have now unlocked a stunning discovery on this invisible frontier: a brand-new type of quasiparticle in all magnetic materials, no matter their strength or temperature. This groundbreaking find flips the script on magnetism, revealing it to be more dynamic than scientists once believed.
Hyperspectral imaging lidar system achieves remote plastic identification
New technology could remotely identify various types of plastics, offering a valuable tool for future monitoring and analysis of oceanic plastic pollution. A new hyperspectral Raman imaging lidar system can remotely detect and identify various types of plastics, which could help address the critical issue of plastic pollution in the ocean by providing better tools for monitoring and analysis.
Being digitally hyperconnected causes 'techno-strain' for employees
A new study has shown that employees are experiencing mental and physical techno-strain due to being 'hyperconnected' to digital technology making it difficult for people to switch off from work.
Researchers explore carbon capture in fish farms to address climate change
Scientists are exploring a new model for carbon capture in low-oxygen aquatic environments, such as fisheries, that will help address rising global temperatures and could potentially be cost-effective.
Teens with a reduced response to rewards are more susceptible to depression
Novel research shows that a reduced neural response to receiving rewards in teens predicts the first onset of depression, but not anxiety or suicidality. This is independent of pre-existing depressive or anxiety symptoms, as well as age or sex, which are already strong risk factors for depression. The study is a step toward using brain science to understand and assess mental health risks.
Binary star found near our galaxy's supermassive black hole
An international team of researchers has detected a binary star orbiting close to Sagittarius A*, the supermassive black hole at the centre of our galaxy. It is the first time a stellar pair has been found in the vicinity of a supermassive black hole. The discovery helps us understand how stars survive in environments with extreme gravity, and could pave the way for the detection of planets close to Sagittarius A*.
Training solar panels to dance with the wind
Researchers propose a unique numerical decision-making framework for solar panel protection against extreme weather conditions. The framework combines advanced wind simulations with machine learning to optimize individual solar panel angles under strong winds. Unlike previous methods, this new method treats panels as independent decision-makers and identifies creative, data-driven solutions to reduce stress, significantly outperforming current safeguards.
Biased language in clinical handoffs may negatively impact patient care
A new study shows that when clinicians hear a patient described with negatively biased language, they develop less empathy towards the patient and, in some cases, become less accurate in recalling the patient's critical health details.
Young English speakers are most comfortable with digital health
Digital health tools, such as patient portals, treatment apps and online appointment schedulers, are increasingly common. But not everyone is equally at home using them.
Peptide-guided nanoparticles deliver mRNA to neurons
Engineers have modified lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) -- the revolutionary technology behind the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines -- to not only cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) but also to target specific types of cells, including neurons. This breakthrough marks a significant step toward potential next-generation treatments for neurological diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Tiny robots, big impact: Revolutionizing infertility treatment with magnetic microrobots
Infertility affects an estimated 186 million people worldwide, with fallopian tube obstruction contributing to 11%-67% of female infertility cases. Researchers have developed an innovative solution using a magnetically driven robotic microscrew to treat fallopian tube blockages. The microrobot is made from nonmagnetic photosensitive resin, coated with a thin iron layer to give it magnetic properties. By applying an external magnetic field, the robot rotates, generating translational motion that enables it to navigate through a glass channel simulating a fallopian tube.
Discouraged zebrafish help reveal how ketamine works in the brain
By taking advantage of a 'giving up' behavior exhibited by zebrafish, the ability to image the fish's entire brain, and a unique virtual reality system, a team of researchers found where ketamine acts in the zebrafish brain: at supporting cells called astroglia, rather than neurons.