ScienceDaily: All - January 07, 2025
Today's top research news
Mixed signals: How the brain interprets social cues
Researchers have found that smell and sound signals merge in the mouse brain's hearing center, influencing social behaviors like pup retrieval. The discovery may lead to a better understanding of how neurological conditions such as autism affect a person's ability to interpret social cues.
Drug-resistant hookworms put pets and people at risk
Canine hookworms are becoming increasingly resistant to drugs across Australia, according to new research. Scientists have identified widespread resistance to benzimidazole-based dewormers which are commonly used to treat gastrointestinal parasites in dogs.
How do directional connections shape complex dynamics in neuronal networks?
In order to uncover the relationship between structure and function, researchers used microfluidic devices to study neuronal networks.
AI slashes cost and time for chip design, but that is not all
Researchers have harnessed artificial intelligence to take a key step toward slashing the time and cost of designing new wireless chips and discovering new functionalities to meet expanding demands for better wireless speed and performance.
Study finds chemotherapy antidote could improve recovery after chemotherapy-induced kidney toxicity
An FDA-approved medication called glucarpidase could serve as an antidote to kidney toxicity in patients receiving the chemotherapy drug methotrexate (MTX), according to a new study. Using data from 28 major U.S. cancer centers, the researchers examined the association between glucarpidase treatment -- which rapidly clears MTX from the blood -- and outcomes of patients with MTX-induced acute kidney injury (AKI). They found that patients who received glucarpidase had significantly higher chances of kidney recovery compared to those who did not get this treatment.
Ultrasound enhances early pregnancy care, cuts emergency visits by 81%
A research team found that implementing point-of-care ultrasounds (POCUS) to assess the viability and gestational age of pregnancies in the first trimester enhanced care for pregnant patients and cut emergency visits by 81% for non-miscarrying patients.
These 11 genes may help us better understand forever chemicals' effects on the brain
A new study has identified 11 genes that may hold the key to understanding the brain's response to these pervasive chemicals commonly found in everyday items.
Lead pollution likely caused widespread IQ declines in ancient Rome, new study finds
Lead exposure is responsible for a range of human health impacts, with even relatively low levels impacting the cognitive development of children. Scientists have previously used atmospheric pollution records preserved in Arctic ice cores to identify periods of lead pollution throughout the Roman Empire, and now new research expands on this finding to identify how this pollution may have affected the European population.
Physicists explain a stellar stream's distinctive features
Physicists have proposed a solution to a long-standing puzzle surrounding the GD-1 stellar stream, one of the most well-studied streams within the galactic halo of the Milky Way.
Climate change is accelerating forest defoliation by helping invasive species spread
Computer models predict that hotter, drier conditions in North America will limit the growth of a fungus that normally curbs the spread of the spongy moth, an invasive species that has caused millions of dollars in damage to forests.
U.S. Corn Belt: Intensive farming and shallow groundwater affect precipitation patterns
New research shows that the sweeping land use changes and irrigation of the U.S. Corn Belt, along with the influence of the area's shallow groundwater, have significantly altered precipitation patterns in that vital agricultural region.
A team of researchers has mapped predicted bioavailable strontium isotope ratios across all of Sub-Saharan Africa. Archaeologists, conservation scientists, and forensics experts will now be able to match values from the map against those observed in artifacts and plant, animal, and human remains of unknown origin to identify where they likely came from within the continent.
Climate extremes in 2024 'wreaking havoc' on the global water cycle
2024 was another year of record-breaking temperatures, driving the global water cycle to new climate extremes and contributing to ferocious floods and crippling droughts, a new report shows. The report found rising temperatures are changing the way water moves around the planet, 'wreaking havoc' on the water cycle.
Scientists develop technology to control cyborg insect swarms
Scientists have developed an advanced swarm navigation algorithm for cyborg insects that prevents them from becoming stuck while navigating challenging terrain. The new algorithm represents a significant advance in swarm robotics. It could pave the way for applications in disaster relief, search-and-rescue missions, and infrastructure inspection. Cyborg insects are real insects equipped with tiny electronic devices on their backs -- consisting of various sensors like optical and infrared cameras, a battery, and an antenna for communication -- that allow their movements to be remotely controlled for specific tasks.
Floods linked to rise in US deaths from several major causes
Over the last 20 years, large floods were associated with up to 24.9 percent higher death rates from major mortality causes in the U.S. compared to normal conditions. A new study demonstrates the sweeping and hidden effects of floods --including floods unrelated to hurricanes, such as those due to heavy rain, snowmelt, or ice jams.
Virtual chemistry speeds up drug discovery
Among the hundreds of thousands of chemical compounds produced by plants, some may hold the key to treating human ailments and diseases. But recreating these complex, naturally occurring molecules in the lab often requires a time-consuming and tedious trial-and-error process. Now, chemists have shown how new computational tools can help them create complex natural compounds in a faster and more streamlined way.
Researchers boost chemotherapy uptake in breast cancer treatment with localized magnetic fields
Researchers have developed a non-invasive method to improve the effectiveness of chemotherapy while reducing its harmful side effects. By applying brief, localized pulses of magnetic fields, the team demonstrated a significant increase in the uptake of doxorubicin (DOX), a widely used chemotherapy drug, into breast cancer cells, with minimal impact on healthy tissues.
The science behind the foldable molecular paths
A recent study highlights a groundbreaking development in foldable molecular paths within solid-state frameworks, illuminating their potential for dynamic pore control and transformative applications in molecular metamaterials.
Neurodegenerative diseases: Membrane anchor suppresses protein aggregation
Protein aggregation is typical of various neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and prion diseases such as Creutzfeld-Jakob disease. A research team has now used new in vitro and cell culture models to show that a lipid anchor on the outer membrane of nerve cells inhibits the aggregation of the prion protein.
Citizen science reveals that Jupiter's colorful clouds are not made of ammonia ice
Collaborative work by amateur and professional astronomers has helped to resolve a long-standing misunderstanding about the composition of Jupiter's clouds. Instead of being formed of ammonia ice -- the conventional view -- it now appears they are likely to be composed of ammonium hydrosulphide mixed with smog.
Tuberculosis strains resistant to new drugs are transmitted between patients
Tuberculosis (TB) is the world's biggest infectious disease killer with multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) posing a particular threat to global health. A study shows that resistance to the new MDR-TB treatment regimen recently recommended by the World Health Organization is already spreading between patients.
Extended Paxlovid may help some people with long COVID, research suggests
An extended course of Paxlovid appears to help some patients with long Covid, according to research that suggests this treatment option holds promise for some of those struggling with debilitating symptoms.
Marked decrease in Arctic pressure ridges
In the Arctic, the old, multiyear ice is increasingly melting, dramatically reducing the frequency and size of pressure ridges. These ridges are created when ice floes press against each other and become stacked, and are a characteristic feature of Arctic sea ice, an obstacle for shipping, but also an essential component of the ecosystem. In a recently released study scientists report on this trend and analyze observational data from three decades of aerial surveys.
Acoustic sensors find frequent gunfire on school walking routes
A new study used acoustic sensors that detect the sound of gunfire to show how often children in one Chicago neighborhood are exposed to gunshots while walking to and from school. Results showed that nearly two-thirds of schools in the Englewood neighborhood of Chicago had at least one gun incident within 400 meters (about one-quarter mile) of where children were walking home during the 2021-22 school year.
Prime apple growing areas in US face increasing climate risks
Some of the most productive apple regions in America are facing big challenges from a changing climate, according to a new study. Researchers analyzed over 40 years of climate conditions that impact the growth cycle of apple trees from bud break and flowering through fruit development, maturation and color development. While many growing areas are facing increased climate risks, the top three largest apple producing counties in the U.S. were among the most impacted: Yakima in Washington, Kent in Michigan and Wayne in New York. In particular, Yakima County, the largest of the three with more than 48,800 acres of apple orchards, has seen harmful trends in five of the six metrics the researchers analyzed.
New quantum sensing technology reveals sub-atomic signals
Engineers have utilized quantum sensors to realize a groundbreaking variation of nuclear quadrupolar resonance (NQR) spectroscopy, a technique traditionally used to detect drugs and explosives or analyze pharmaceuticals. The new method is so precise that it can detect the NQR signals from individual atoms -- a feat once thought unattainable. This unprecedented sensitivity opens the door to breakthroughs in fields like drug development, where understanding molecular interactions at the atomic level is critical.
Risk of domestic abuse increases over time for those exposed to childhood maltreatment
The risk of experiencing intimate partner violence may accumulate over time among people who experienced childhood maltreatment when they were younger, finds a new study.
Lighting up cancer cells with biolasers
Researchers have developed a way of detecting circulating tumor cells in the bloodstream of pancreatic cancer and lung cancer patients.
Tiny plants reveal big potential for boosting crop efficiency
Scientists have long sought ways to help plants turn more carbon dioxide (CO2) into biomass, which could boost crop yields and even combat climate change. Recent research suggests that a group of unique, often overlooked plants called hornworts may hold the key.
Non-opioid pain relievers beat opioids after dental surgery
Researchers find an over-the-counter combo is more effective for wisdom tooth extraction pain.
Healthier mothers, healthier babies: Iron infusion trial could transform pregnancy care worldwide
A major trial has found a single iron infusion in the third trimester can significantly reduce anaemia in pregnant women and outperform the efficacy of iron tablets -- the current recommended standard of care.
New biomarkers could improve early detection and monitoring of kidney injury
Researchers have identified six new biomarkers that could detect kidney injury faster and with more sensitivity, advancing safer drug development and improving health outcomes for patients. The new biomarkers may offer a more sensitive approach than existing standards for monitoring kidney health and can lead to more tolerable treatment options.
New mechanism discovered that triggers immune response in cells with damaged DNA
A research team has revealed a previously unknown mechanism that triggers an inflammatory immune response in cells when their DNA is damaged. This discovery deepens the understanding of a new type of cell signaling that may lead to more effective treatments for cancer.
Hornwort genomes provide clues on how plants conquered the land
Over 450 million years ago, plants began the epic transition from water to dry land. Among the first pioneers were the ancestors of humble hornworts, a group of small, unassuming plants that have persisted to this day. New research reveals insights into the genetic blueprints of hornworts, uncovering fascinating details about plant evolution and the early days of life on land.