ScienceDaily: All - January 10, 2025
Today's top research news
Researchers find betrayal doesn't necessarily make someone less trustworthy if we benefit
Both intuition and past research suggest that whether people deem someone trustworthy depends on that person's past behavior and reputation for betrayal. In a series of experiments, psychologists found that subjects regarded those who previously exhibited that behavior as less trustworthy. However, when the betrayal benefited them or had no effect on them, participants regarded the betrayer as trustworthy. This pattern was largely consistent across the types of relationships studied: friendships, romantic relationships and professional relationships.
Rapid return of water from ground to atmosphere through plants
A new study provides the first comprehensive global estimates of the amount of water stored in Earth's plants and the amount of time it takes for that water to flow through them. The information is a missing piece of the puzzle in understanding the global water cycle and how that cycle is being altered by changes in land use and climate.
Pet dogs often overlooked as spreader of antimicrobial-resistant Salmonella
Antibiotic-resistant Salmonella is a serious public health concern that has increased in recent years as the bacteria have developed ways to survive drugs. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people can get Salmonella from eating contaminated food products or from infected people or animals -- typically via unintentional contact with feces via touching hands or stroking a pet. However, researchers have found that household dogs are an overlooked transmission point for zoonotic pathogens such as nontyphoidal Salmonella, which can cause diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps, with some infections potentially having life-threatening complications.
Disovery of new skeletal tissue advances regenerative medicine potential
An international research team has discovered a new type of skeletal tissue that offers great potential for advancing regenerative medicine and tissue engineering.
Scientists design bioluminescent RNA
RNA is the molecule that reads the genetic information stored in DNA. It's critical for the proper functioning of cells, and in a new study scientists have discovered a way of tagging RNA with a glowing bioluminescent molecule that allows them to track RNA in real time as it moves throughout the body. The work promises to help scientists better understand everything from the way viruses propagate to how memories form in the brain. RNA is the molecule that reads the genetic information stored in DNA. It's critical for the proper functioning of cells, and in a new study published in Nature Communications, University of California, Irvine scientists have discovered a way of tagging RNA with a glowing bioluminescent molecule that allows them to track RNA in real time as it moves throughout the body. The work promises to help scientists better understand everything from the way viruses propagate to how memories form in the brain.
Contrary to the long-held belief that the mid-career crisis plagues everyone, new research suggests that job satisfaction follows a U-shaped trajectory only for managerial and professional workers. This provocative finding challenges societal perceptions surrounding midlife and calls for a revaluation of workplace support for individuals in their 40s and 50s.
Storing carbon in buildings could help address climate change
Construction materials such as concrete and plastic have the potential to lock away billions of tons of carbon dioxide, according to a new study by civil engineers and earth systems scientists. The study shows that combined with steps to decarbonize the economy, storing CO2 in buildings could help the world achieve goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Researchers use lab data to rewrite equation for deformation, flow of watery glacier ice
Laboratory experiments designed to deform ice at its pressure-melting temperature were like grabbing a bagel at the top and the bottom, then twisting the two halves to smear the cream cheese in the middle, according to new research. The resulting data could lead to more accurate models of temperate glacier ice and better predictions of glacier flow and sea-level rise.
A smart ring with a tiny camera lets users point and click to control home devices
Researchers have developed IRIS, a smart ring that allows users to point and click to control smart devices. The prototype Bluetooth ring contains a small camera which sends an image of the selected device to the user's phone. The user can control the device clicking a small button or -- for devices with gradient controls, such as a speaker's volume -- rotating the ring.
Realistic emission tests for motorbikes, mopeds and quads
Researchers have developed new measurement techniques and methods to measure emissions from category-L vehicles in realistic operation and to determine corresponding limit values.
Nearly 30,000 wild species identified in US trade data
International research has found almost 30,000 wild species have been traded in the United States, according to data captured by US wildlife trade monitoring organization Law Enforcement Manage Information System.
Novel graphene ribbons poised to advance quantum technologies
Researchers have recently achieved a significant breakthrough in the development of next-generation carbon-based quantum materials, opening new horizons for advancements in quantum electronics. The innovation involves a novel type of graphene nanoribbon (GNR), named Janus GNR (JGNR). The material has a unique zigzag edge, with a special ferromagnetic edge state located on one of the edges. This unique design enables the realization of one-dimensional ferromagnetic spin chain, which could have important applications in quantum electronics and quantum computing.
A new turning point in lung cancer treatment, inspired by mussels
Scientists have developed inhalable lung cancer therapeutics utilizing mucoadhesive proteinic nanoparticles.
Researchers have published a prospective, randomized and controlled study on the use of extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) in lung transplantation. The findings could significantly change the standard procedure for rejection reactions after lung transplants.
Scientists identify genes driving cancer spread
Cancer metastasis -- the spread of cancer to other organs -- is the leading cause of death among cancer patients. Researchers have now uncovered a 'genetic signature' of 177 genes shared across multiple cancer types that drives this deadly process.
Electric fungi: The biobattery that needs to be fed
A battery that needs feeding instead of charging? This is exactly what researchers have achieved with their 3D-printed, biodegradable fungal battery. The living battery could supply power to sensors for agriculture or research in remote regions. Once the work is done, it digests itself from the inside.
States struggle to curb food waste despite policies
Current state policies aren't enough to curb food waste. Study shows states are falling short of the reduction goals set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Record cold quantum refrigerator paves way for reliable quantum computers
Quantum computers require extreme cooling to perform reliable calculations. One of the challenges preventing quantum computers from entering society is the difficulty of freezing the qubits to temperatures close to absolute zero. Now, researchers have engineered a new type of refrigerator that can autonomously cool superconducting qubits to record low temperatures, paving the way for more reliable quantum computation.
Floods, droughts, then fires: Hydroclimate whiplash is speeding up globally
Hydroclimate whiplash -- rapid swings between intensely wet and dangerously dry weather -- has already increased globally due to climate change, with further large increases expected as warming continues, according to a team of researchers.
New AI model TabPFN enables faster and more accurate predictions on small tabular data sets
A team has developed a new method that facilitates and improves predictions of tabular data, especially for small data sets with fewer than 10,000 data points. The new AI model TabPFN is trained on synthetically generated data before it is used and thus learns to evaluate possible causal relationships and use them for predictions.
Automated method to detect common sleep disorder affecting millions
AI-powered algorithm can analyze video recordings of clinical sleep tests and more accurately diagnose REM sleep behavior disorder.
An earful of gill: Evolutionary origin of the mammalian outer ear
A recent study has uncovered the surprising evolutionary origin of the mammalian outer ear, linking it to the gills of ancient fish and marine invertebrates. The research reveals that both structures are composed of elastic cartilage and shares gene control elements that hint at their connection. This finding sheds new light on the evolution of the mammalian ear, highlighting how structures can transform over time to serve new functions.
Two-in-one root armor protects plants from environmental stressors and fights climate change
Scientists have created the first single cell genomic atlas of mature plants' outer armor layer, called the periderm, and its carbon-capturing phellem cells. The findings will be useful in creating more robust, climate change-fighting plants.
The extreme teeth of sabre-toothed predators were 'optimal' for biting into prey
Sabre-toothed predators -- best know from the infamous Smilodon -- evolved multiple times across different mammal groups. A new study reveals why: these teeth were 'functionally optimal' and highly effective at puncturing prey.
Why do birds make so many different sounds? A study gets at the underlying factors
Researchers conducted a global study of the factors that influence bird sounds, using more than 100,000 audio recordings from around the world.
Using robots in nursing homes linked to higher employee retention, better patient care
Facing high employee turnover and an aging population, nursing homes have increasingly turned to robots to complete a variety of care tasks, but few researchers have explored how these technologies impact workers and the quality of care. A new study on the future of work finds that robot use is associated with increased employment and employee retention, improved productivity and a higher quality of care.
What is the average wait time to see a neurologist in US?
Older people wait an average of just over a month to see a neurologist for specialty care after being referred by their primary care physician or another physician, according to a new study. The study, which looked at people who have Medicare insurance, also found some people wait more than three months to see a neurologist.
AI predicts cancer prognoses, responses to treatment
A new artificial intelligence tool combines data from medical images with text to predict cancer prognoses and treatment responses.
Tumor-secreted protein may hold the key to better treatments for deadly brain tumor
A study has found targeting a protein called endocan and its related signaling pathway could be a promising new approach for treating glioblastoma, an aggressive and lethal type of brain cancer.
Mediterranean sharks continue to decline despite conservation progress
New research has found more than 200 measures to protect sharks and rays across the 22 coastal states of the Mediterranean region. However, while elasmobranchs have made it onto many policy agendas, the study found considerable differences in how effectively any legislation was being monitored with no single source for tracking progress in the conservation and management of sharks at national levels.
Breakthrough in 2D material growth opens doors to cleaner energy and next-generation technology
A breakthrough in decoding the growth process of Hexagonal Boron Nitride (hBN), a 2D material, and its nanostructures on metal substrates could pave the way for more efficient electronics, cleaner energy solutions and greener chemical manufacturing, according to new research.
How people make life's biggest decisions
Some decisions in life are so significant that they have a massive impact on the course of a person's future. Whether it's the decision to emigrate, quit a job, end a long-term relationship, or report a sexual assault, these choices are transformative. They shape personal identities and life trajectories in unpredictable and often irreversible ways. A new conceptual paper offers a framework for understanding and studying these life-changing decisions.
Rethinking population management in zoos
Until now, contraception has been the method of choice for zoos to avoid surplus animals. Researchers are now calling for a paradigm shift: zoos could preserve their breeding populations, raise awareness of conservation challenges and improve animal welfare and their carbon footprint by allowing animals to reproduce naturally and culling surplus animals.
Electrohydraulic wearable devices create unprecedented haptic sensations
Scientists have invented compact wearable devices that deliver rich, expressive, and pleasant tactile sensations that go far beyond the buzzing vibrations of today's consumer devices.
AI could improve the success of IVF treatment
Artificial Intelligence (AI) could help doctors identify follicles that are most likely to lead to the birth of a baby during IVF treatment more precisely than current methods.
Moving in sync, slowly, in glassy liquids
Researchers used computer simulations to determine the mechanisms that control the temperature dependence of molecular dynamics in a glassy supercooled liquid. This work may lead to higher-quality glass production at lower cost.
Climate change linked with worse HIV prevention and care
Researchers analyzed 22 recent studies exploring HIV-related outcomes in the context of climate change and identified several links between extreme weather events and HIV prevention and care.
Preventing clinical depression: Early therapeutic interventions offer protection
Even individuals whose symptoms do not yet meet the criteria for clinical depression benefit from therapeutic interventions. This conclusion comes from a new meta-study by researchers who analyzed data from 30 studies. Participants who received interventions were significantly less likely to develop clinical depression within the first year.
Using AI to predict the outcome of aggressive skin cancers
Research demonstrates that AI can determine the course and severity of aggressive skin cancers, such as Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), to enhance clinical decision making by generating personalzsed predictions of treatment specific outcomes for patients and their doctors.
The 'red advantage' is no longer true for Olympic combat sports
Wearing a red outfit in combat sports has been believed to provide an advantage for athletes, but a new study suggests there is no longer any truth in the claim.
Scientists have conducted a pioneering study on the benefits of intermittent fasting. Not eating anything from 5 p.m. until 9 a.m. the following day (early fasting) helps to a greater extent to improve blood sugar regulation and reduce abdominal subcutaneous fat, i.e. the fat just under the skin.
Study advances possible blood test for early-stage Alzheimer's disease
Declining blood levels of two molecules that occur naturally in the body track closely with worsening Alzheimer's disease, particularly in women. Levels were found to drop gradually, from women with no signs of memory, disorientation, and slowed thinking to those with early signs of mild cognitive impairment. Decreases were more prominent in women with moderate or severe stages of the disease. Declines in men were evident in only one molecule, revealing a disease-specific difference between the men and women.
An academic has used drone mapping to investigate a 3000-year-old 'mega fortress' in the Caucasus mountains, revealing details that re-shape understanding of the site and contribute to a global reassessment of ancient settlement growth and urbanism.