ScienceDaily: All - February 16, 2025
Today's top research news
Does planetary evolution favor human-like life? Study ups odds we're not alone
Humanity may not be extraordinary but rather the natural evolutionary outcome for our planet and likely others, according to a new model for how intelligent life developed on Earth.
Marine mystery solved: How anemonefish avoid stings from their sea anemone hosts
The clownfish-anemone living arrangement is one of the most widely recognized examples of symbiosis. Researchers have made a breakthrough in understanding how anemonefish can live safely among sea anemones without being stung by their venomous tentacles, solving a century-long mystery. Scientists have discovered that anemonefish have evolved to maintain very low levels of sialic acid in their skin mucus to avoid triggering the release of nematocysts (stinging cells) in their sea anemone hosts. The researchers found that sea anemones also lack these sugar compounds in their own mucus, likely to avoid stinging themselves. Their findings suggest anemonefish might be using a similar protective strategy to their hosts.
Bad hair bears! Greasy hair gives polar bears fur with anti-icing properties
Scientists have discovered the anti-icing secret of polar bear fur -- something that allows one of the planet's most iconic animals to survive and thrive in one of its most punishing climates. That secret? Greasy hair. After some polar sleuthing, which involved scrutiny of hair collected from six polar bears in the wild, the scientists homed in on the hair 'sebum' (or grease) as the all-important protectant. This sebum, which is made up of cholesterol, diacylglycerols, and fatty acids, makes it very hard for ice to attach to their fur. While this finding sheds fascinating new light on our understanding of polar bear -- and even Inuit -- ecology, it may also have a suite of unrelated applications, with a similar concoction of artificially made sebum promising to be useful as an anti-ice surface coating, or in next-gen ski skins used by skiers and snowboarders.
The benefits of speaking multiple languages
New psychology research indicates that multilingual children may have enhanced executive function and perspective taking skills.
A less 'clumpy,' more complex universe?
New research has combined cosmological data from two major surveys of the universe's evolutionary history and found hints that it may be less clumpy at certain points than previously thought. Their findings suggest that the universe may have become more complex with advancing age.
Scientists 'mimic real biological processes' using synthetic neurons
A new collaboration has unlocked new potential for the field by creating a novel high-performance organic electrochemical neuron that responds within the frequency range of human neurons.
The hidden power of the smallest microquasars
Researchers found for the first time evidence that even microquasars containing a low-mass star are efficient particle accelerators, which leads to a significant impact on the interpretation of the abundance of gamma rays in the universe.
New study improves the trustworthiness of wind power forecasts
By applying techniques from explainable artificial intelligence, engineers can improve users' confidence in forecasts generated by artificial intelligence models. This approach was recently tested on wind power generation.
Research leads to viable solution for polycotton textile waste recycling
Researchers present a solution to the challenging problem of recycling poly-cotton textile waste. The process starts with fully removing all cotton from the fabric using superconcentrated hydrochloric acid at room temperature. The cotton is converted into glucose, which can be used as a feedstock for biobased products such as renewable plastics. The remaining polyester fibers can be reprocessed using available polyester recycling methods.
Blood-powered toes give salamanders an arboreal edge
Wandering salamanders are known for gliding high through the canopies of coastal redwood forests, but how the small amphibians stick their landing and take-off with ease remains something of a mystery. A new study reveals the answer may have a lot to do with a surprising mechanism: blood-powered toes.
Improving the way flash memory is made
The narrow, deep holes required for one type of flash memory are made twice as fast with the right recipe, which includes a plasma made from hydrogen fluoride.
Guided self-help makes treating children with obesity easier and more affordable
According to a new study, self-guided family therapy for obesity could work just as well as traditional approaches at a fraction of the cost.
No differences between dementia care approaches on patient behavioral symptoms or caregiver strain
Research comparing different approaches to dementia care for people with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias found no significant differences in patient behavioral symptoms or caregiver strain, whether delivered through a health system, provided by a community-based organization, or as usual care over an 18-month period -- but did improve caregiver confidence in managing dementia-related challenges.
Landmark genetic study: Fresh shoots of hope on the tree of life
In the most comprehensive global analysis of genetic diversity ever undertaken, an international team of scientists has found that the genetic diversity is being lost across the globe but that conservation efforts are helping to safeguard species.
A pre-Columbian society in the Amazon developed a sophisticated agricultural engineering system that allowed them to produce maize throughout the year, according to a recent discovery. This finding contradicts previous theories that dismissed the possibility of intensive monoculture agriculture in the region.
Research contrasts drought sensitivity of Eurasian and North American grasslands
Grasslands in Asia and North America differ in their responses to drought, according to a new article. The findings show that differences in the dominant grasses and lower species diversity in the Eurasian Steppe grasslands may make it more vulnerable to drought than the North American Great Plains.
Life's building blocks in Asteroid Bennu samples
Scientists detected all five nucleobases -- building blocks of DNA and RNA -- in samples returned from asteroid Bennu by NASA's OSIRIS-REx mission.
Pairing old and new technologies could unlock advances in plankton science
New research highlights the benefits of combining existing long-term plankton monitoring programs and emerging technologies in monitoring the health of our seas.
Exploring mysteries of Asteroid Bennu
Scientists found that asteroid Bennu contained a set of salty mineral deposits that formed in an exact sequence when a brine evaporated, leaving clues about the type of water that flowed billions of years ago.
Advanced brain circuit-mapping technique reveals new anxiety drug target
Investigators have identified in a preclinical model a specific brain circuit whose inhibition appears to reduce anxiety without side effects. Their work suggests a new target for treating anxiety disorders and related conditions and demonstrates a general strategy, based on a method called photopharmacology, for mapping drug effects on the brain.
Moon is not as 'geologically dead' as previously thought
Scientists developed advanced dating methods to track geological changes on the far side of the moon and found evidence of relatively recent activity.
Sharp look into Ockham's razor
A new article argues that by relying too much on parsimony in modeling, scientists make mistakes and miss opportunities.
Relative of deadly Hendra virus found in the US
Researchers have identified the first henipavirus in North America.
Urine-based test detects aggressive prostate cancer
The test can differentiate between various grades of cancer, helping men avoid unnecessary biopsies.
New structures of a critical amyloid protein illuminated
The tiny protein known as transthyretin can cause big problems in the body when it misfolds after secretion. While healthy transthyretin moves hormones through blood and spinal fluid, misfolded versions of the protein form dangerous clumps in the heart and along nerves -- triggering a progressive and fatal disease known as transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR). Up to a quarter of all men over the age of 80 have some degree of ATTR, which can cause shortness of breath, dizziness and tingling or loss of sensation in the extremities. Now, scientists have uncovered new structures of transthyretin.
Calorie labels on menus could make eating disorders worse
Calorie labels on restaurant menus are negatively impacting people with eating disorders, according to a new study. The review found that individuals who have been diagnosed with an eating disorder changed their behaviors if presented with a menu featuring calorie labels.
Moderate exercise keeps appetite at bay
A recent study has revealed that moderate-intensity exercise can significantly influence appetite-related hormones and perceptions in males with obesity.
A new register with thousands of entangled nuclei to scale quantum networks
In a groundbreaking achievement for quantum technologies, researchers have created a functional quantum register using the atoms inside a semiconductor quantum dot.
New avenues in quantum research: Supramolecular qubit candidates detected
Researchers were able to demonstrate for the first time that non-covalent bonds between spin centers are also capable of producing quartet states through spin mixing. Supramolecular chemistry is thus a valuable tool for the research, development and scaling of new materials for quantum technologies.
Microbial therapy offers new hope for vitiligo patients
A natural compound derived from gut-friendly bacteria significantly slows the progression of vitiligo and may restore pigmentation, reports a new pre-clinical study in mice.
New clues to the mechanism behind food tolerance and allergies
Study reveals how immune cells in the gut distinguish between food and harmful pathogens, shedding light on the origins of both food allergies and intestinal diseases.
Routine brain MRI screening in asymptomatic late stage breast cancer patients
A new study shows that asymptomatic brain metastasis is more common in stage 4 breast cancer patients than previously believed. The study suggests that doctors may need to rethink current screening guidelines for detecting brain metastasis in patients without symptoms.
Inherited gene elevates prostate cancer risk in affected families
The inherited mutated gene WNT9B, which functions normally in embryonic prostate development, increases risk of adult prostate cancer, according to a new study.