ScienceDaily: All - March 15, 2024
Today's top research news
Diverse habitats help salmon weather unpredictable climate changes
Restored salmon habitat should resemble financial portfolios, offering fish diverse options for feeding and survival so that they can weather various conditions as the climate changes, a new study shows.
Image: Wild male and female Red Salmon, Vasik Olga/shutterstock.com
Therapy using intense light and chronological time can benefit heart
Managing circadian rhythms through intense light and chronologically timed therapy can help prevent or treat a variety of circulatory system conditions including heart disease, according to a new study.
Researchers prove fundamental limits of electromagnetic energy absorption
Electrical engineers have determined the theoretical fundamental limit for how much electromagnetic energy a transparent material with a given thickness can absorb. The finding will help engineers optimize devices designed to block certain frequencies of radiation while allowing others to pass through, for applications such as stealth or wireless communications.
Researchers have designed a platform to perform blood-based diagnoses of nontuberculosis mycobacteria, simplifying and shortening a long-complicated procedure from 6 months to 2 hours. Rapid, accurate diagnosis has never been more important as cases of NTM infections have continued to increase annually, spreading from subtropical regions to more temperate zones in part due to global climate change.
A pioneering way to target the culprit behind a deadly liver cancer
Researchers have translated a cutting-edge tactic for treating genetic disorders into a fresh approach for potentially stymying cancer.
New study on mating behaviors offers clues into the evolution of attraction
In examining the mating rituals of roundworms, researchers uncovered a unique approach to reproduction that maximizes genetic fitness.
FRYL gene variants linked to a new neurological disorder
A recent study links the FRYL gene to a new neurodevelopmental disorder in humans. They used fruit flies to establish that the loss of a functional copy of the FRY-like transcription coactivator (FRYL) gene is the underlying cause of this new disorder in fourteen individuals.
Scientists recently published the results of a competition that put researchers to the test. For the competition, part of the NIH-funded Computational Models of Immunity network, teams of researchers from different institutions offered up their best predictions regarding B. pertussis (whooping cough) vaccination.
Age and sex associated with patient's likelihood of antimicrobial resistance
A person's age, sex and location are correlated with the chance that they have a bloodstream infection that is resistant to antibiotics, according to a new study.
How fear unfolds inside our brains
The stress-induced mechanisms that cause our brain to produce feelings of fear in the absence of threats -- such as in PTSD -- have been mostly a mystery. Now, neurobiologists have identified the changes in brain biochemistry and mapped the neural circuitry that cause generalized fear experiences.
How home food availability affects young children's nutrient intake
Early childhood is an important time for learning about nutrition and establishing healthy eating behaviors. Young children rely on parents to provide food options, and the availability of food in the home affects their dietary choices. A new study looks at changes in home food availability and nutrient intake for children from 2 to 4 years old.
Information overload is a personal and societal danger
We are all aware of the dangers of pollution to our air, water, and earth. In a recently published letter, scientists are advocating for the recognition and mitigation of another type of environmental pollution that poses equivalent personal and societal dangers: information overload.
Protein discovery sparks treatment hope for aggressive cancer
Researchers have shown that targeting a gene regulated by two cancer-fuelling proteins can kill cancerous cells and halt their growth in laboratory models of B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).
Researchers can reveal illegal timber exports
A new method of timber analysis can confidently identify the location in which the tree was harvested. The method has been developed with the aim of combating illegal timber imports from Russia and Belarus.
Dolphin-kick swimming maximizes water-flow utilization with increasing speed
Researchers investigated the propulsion mechanism by visualizing water flow around a swimmer during underwater dolphin-kick swimming in a water channel via particle image velocimetry. Their findings revealed that swimmers can utilize water flow and vortexes more effectively as their speed increases.
Small amounts of licorice raise blood pressure, study finds
It is known that large amounts of licorice cause high blood pressure. A new study now shows that even small amounts of licorice raise blood pressure. The individuals who react most strongly also show signs of strain on the heart.
Dog-killing flatworm discovered in Southern California
Scientists have confirmed that a potentially fatal dog parasite is present in a portion of the Colorado River that runs through California.
Surprising insights about debris flows on Mars
The period that liquid water was present on the surface of Mars may have been shorter than previously thought. Channel landforms called gullies, previously thought to be formed exclusively by liquid water, can also be formed by the action of evaporating CO2 ice, according to a new study.
It's hearty, it's meaty, it's mold
Scientists are exploring how tuning the genomes of mushrooms and molds can transform these food sources into gourmet, nutrient-packed meals made with minimal processing and a light environmental footprint.
Perovskite solar cells: Vacuum process may offer a short track to commercialization
Which process is best suited for mass production of perovskite solar cells? While solvent-based manufacturing processes are used in laboratories around the world, vacuum vapor-phase deposition processes are still the standard for the production of thin films for photovoltaics or organic light-emitting diodes. A new study that reveals major differences in the scientific discussion of these production processes.
Ancient ice may still exist in distant space objects, researchers find
A new paper presents findings about the Kuiper Belt Object 486958 Arrokoth, shedding new light on the preservation of volatile substances like carbon monoxide in such distant celestial bodies. The research uses Arrokoth as a case study to propose that many Kuiper Belt Objects -- remnants from the dawn of our solar system -- could still retain their original volatile ices, challenging previous notions about the evolutionary path of these ancient entities.
A healthier diet is linked with a slower pace of aging, reduced dementia risk, study shows
A healthier diet is associated with a reduced dementia risk and slower pace of aging, according to a new study. The findings show that a diet-dementia association was at least partially facilitated by multi-system processes of aging. Until now, the biological mechanism of this protection was not well understood.
Advanced army robots more likely to be blamed for deaths
Advanced killer robots are more likely to blamed for civilian deaths than military machines, new research has revealed. The study shows that high-tech bots will be held more responsible for fatalities in identical incidents.
Alzheimer's drug fermented with help from AI and bacteria moves closer to reality
Researchers combined artificial intelligence and chemical biosensors to ferment the precursor of an Alzheimer's drug in bacteria.
Tropical birds could tolerate warming better than expected, study suggests
We expect tropical animals to handle a certain degree of heat, but not wild swings in temperature. That seems to be true for tropical ectotherms, or 'cold-blooded' animals such as amphibians, reptiles, and insects. However, in a new study of 'warm-blooded' endotherms, a research team found tropical birds can handle thermal variation just fine.
New bioengineered protein design shows promise in fighting COVID-19
A recent scientific breakthrough has emerged from the work of researchers aiming to combat SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19. The study focuses on the design and development of a novel protein capable of binding to the spike proteins found on the surface of the coronavirus. The goal behind this innovative approach is twofold: first, to identify and recognize the virus for diagnostic purposes, and second, to hinder its ability to infect human cells.
An electricity generator inspired by the drinking bird toy powers electronics with evaporated water
Inspired by the classic drinking bird toy, scientists have developed an engine that efficiently converts energy from water evaporation into electricity to power small electronics. The device produces energy outputs exceeding 100 volts -- much higher than other techniques that generate electricity from water -- and can operate for several days using only 100 milliliters of water as fuel, according to a new study.
Sleep-wake rhythm: Fish change our understanding of sleep regulation
Researchers have discovered that some fish -- unlike humans -- do not need orexin to stay awake. This molecule was thought to be necessary for normal wake and sleep rhythms in vertebrates. Humans without orexin suffer from narcolepsy.
New discovery reveals how the egg controls sperm entry
After the egg has been fertilized by a sperm, the surrounding egg coat tightens, mechanically preventing the entry of additional sperm and the ensuing death of the embryo, a new study finds. The work also explains how mutations in egg coat proteins can cause female infertility and may eventually lead to new contraceptive methods.
Chimp moms play with their offspring through good times and bad
A recent study observing wild chimpanzees over a period of more than 10 years revealed that when food gets scarcer, the adults put play aside and focus on survival, while mother chimps continue to be their children's primary playmate -- suggesting their indispensable role to foster their young's physical and social development.
Even cells know the importance of recycling
Researchers uncovered the mechanistic details behind how several proteins interact to help cells recognize and remove damaged mitochondria. Optineurin (OPTN) and its interactions are needed to provide a contact site for another protein, Tank-binding kinase 1 (TBK1), during this process. The OPTN-TBK1 relationship is necessary for these mitochondria to be recognized and eliminated from the cell. This mechanism may have relevance for developing drugs to treat Parkinson's disease.
Training dairy cows with positive reinforcement can turn otherwise stressful events into play
Dairy cows receive a huge amount of care during their lives on a farm, but procedures, especially restraining during procedures, can be stressful for some animals. Positive reinforcement training -- or training with a reward to achieve a desired behavior -- has shown promise to reduce this fear in other species.
Lonely 12 year-olds less likely to gain employment in adulthood
New research has found that there is a direct socioeconomic impact of loneliness in early adolescence. The research found that lonely young adults are more likely to be out of education, employment, or training (NEET) and consider themselves less employable and lower on the economic ladder than their less lonely peers.
Blast-related concussions linked to higher Alzheimer's risk
U.S. veterans of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq who suffered mild traumatic brain injury from exposure to explosive blasts were found to have changes in cerebrospinal fluid proteins that are typically seen in people who develop Alzheimer's disease, according to researchers.
How to upcycle low-energy light
To combine two low-energy photons into one high-energy photon efficiently, the energy must be able to hop freely, but not too quickly, between randomly oriented molecules of a solid. The discovery provides a much-needed design guideline for developing materials for more efficient PV cells, displays, or even anti-cancer therapies.
Lives could be saved from tropical disease with new rapid test
A new test diagnoses patients with melioidosis within hours, rather than days, meaning they can receive the correct antibiotics faster.
Revolutionary chronic wound treatment could help millions
An effective treatment for chronic wounds that does not involve antibiotics, but an ionised gas to activate a wound dressing, has been developed by a team of international scientists.
Unique way to track carbon emissions in bodies of water
Carbon dioxide emissions are not typically associated with water ways, like streams and rivers, but emerging research shows that water bodies play an important role in storing and releasing carbon dioxide. As many states look for cost-effective ways to mitigate climate change, scientists looked at a way to optimize CO2 sensors to better measure carbon dioxide emissions in lotic, or moving, bodies of water offering a new tool that can help provide valuable information for everything from land use to climate action plans.
A new study shines a spotlight on sulfur, a chemical element that, while all familiar, has proved surprisingly resistant to scientific efforts in probing its role in the origin of life.
What kinds of seismic signals did Swifties send at LA concert?
Seattle may have experienced its own Swift Quake last July, but at an August 2023 concert Taylor Swift's fans in Los Angeles gave scientists a lot of shaking to ponder. After some debate, a research team concluded that it was likely the dancing and jumping motions of the audience at SoFi Stadium -- not the musical beats or reverberations of the sound system -- that generated the concert's distinct harmonic tremors.
AI for astrophysics: Algorithms help chart the origins of heavy elements
The origin of heavy elements in our universe is theorized to be the result of neutron star collisions, which produce conditions hot and dense enough for free neutrons to merge with atomic nuclei and form new elements in a split-second window of time. Testing this theory and answering other astrophysical questions requires predictions for a vast range of masses of atomic nuclei. Scientists are using machine learning algorithms to successfully model the atomic masses of the entire nuclide chart -- the combination of all possible protons and neutrons that defines elements and their isotopes.
'Junk DNA' no more: New method to identify cancers from repeat elements of genetic code
Repeats of DNA sequences, often referred to as 'junk DNA' or 'dark matter,' that are found in chromosomes and could contribute to cancer or other diseases have been challenging to identify and characterize. Now, researchers have developed a novel approach that uses machine learning to identify these elements in cancerous tissue, as well as in cell-free DNA (cfDNA) -- fragments that are shed from tumors and float in the bloodstream. This new method could provide a noninvasive means of detecting cancers or monitoring response to therapy.
Asian aerosols' impact on Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation
A new study identifies the role aerosols over Asia is having on the AMOC, a complex system of currents in the Atlantic Ocean.
Robot ANYmal can do parkour and walk across rubble
The quadrupedal robot ANYmal went back to school and has learned a lot. Researchers used machine learning to teach it new skills: the robot can now climb over obstacles and successfully negotiate pitfalls.
Tryptophan in diet, gut bacteria protect against E. coli infection
Gut bacteria and a diet rich in the amino acid tryptophan can play a protective role against pathogenic E. coli, which can cause severe stomach upset, cramps, fever, intestinal bleeding and renal failure.
Cheers! NASA's Webb finds ethanol, other icy ingredients for worlds
What do margaritas, vinegar, and ant stings have in common? They contain chemical ingredients that NASA's James Webb Space Telescope has identified surrounding two young protostars known as IRAS 2A and IRAS 23385. Although planets are not yet forming around those stars, these and other molecules detected there by Webb represent key ingredients for making potentially habitable worlds.
Researchers examined demographics, infrastructure and more than seven decades of weather data to determine which places in Kentucky are most vulnerable to tornadoes.
Scientists use novel technique to create new energy-efficient microelectronic device
Researchers have created a new material that uses 'redox gating' to control the movement of electrons in and out of a semiconducting material.
Do astronauts experience 'space headaches'?
Space travel and zero gravity can take a toll on the body. A new study has found that astronauts with no prior history of headaches may experience migraine and tension-type headaches during long-haul space flight, which includes more than 10 days in space.
Water droplet spun by sound screens for colon cancer
Mechanical engineers have devised a diagnostic platform that uses sound waves to spin an individual drop of water up to 6000 revolutions per minute. These speeds separate tiny biological particles within samples placed in a very light disc sitting on top of the spinning drop. The technique could allow new point-of-care applications ranging from precision bioassays to cancer diagnosis. The technique requires less time and sample volume while inflicting less damage to delicate exosomes.
Poor sleep linked to migraine attacks
A new study has identified a link between poor sleep and migraine attacks that suggests improving sleep health may diminish migraine attacks in people with migraine.
Spending quality time with dogs reduces stress and increases the power of brain waves associated with relaxation and concentration, according to a new study.
The future is likely less skiable, thanks to climate change
Annual snow cover days in all major skiing regions are projected to decrease dramatically as a result of climate change, with 1 in 8 ski areas losing all natural snow cover this century under high emission scenarios, according to a new study.
New high-speed microscale 3D printing technique
A new process for microscale 3D printing creates particles of nearly any shape for applications in medicine, manufacturing, research and more -- at the pace of up to 1 million particles a day.
Supply chain disruptions will further exacerbate economic losses from climate change
Global GDP loss from climate change will increase exponentially the warmer the planet gets when its cascading impact on global supply chains is factored in, finds a new study.
Menopause explains why some female whales live so long
Females of some whale species have evolved to live drastically longer lives so they can care for their families, new research shows.
Study shows important role gut microbes play in airway health in persons with cystic fibrosis
Findings from a new study reflect the important role that the gut microbiome (communities of bacteria) plays in the airway health of persons with cystic fibrosis.
With discovery of roundworms, Great Salt Lake's imperiled ecosystem gets more interesting
Biologists announce the discovery of numerous species of roundworm in the highly saline waters of Great Salt Lake, the vast terminal lake in northwestern Utah that supports millions of migratory birds. Previously, brine shrimp and brine flies were the only known multicellular animals living in the water column. The scientists found nematodes, belonging to a family known for inhabiting extreme environments, in the lake's microbialites, reef-like structures covering about a fifth of the lakebed.
Innovative approaches for addressing difficult topics in K-12 schools
Three peer-reviewed journals have recently published research papers by Penn State's Hammel Family Human Rights Initiative. The papers illustrate how the initiative's programs help K-12 educators address difficult issues such as racism.
Explaining a supernova's 'string of pearls'
Physicists often turn to the Rayleigh-Taylor instability to explain why fluid structures form in plasmas, but that may not be the full story when it comes to the ring of hydrogen clumps around supernova 1987A, research suggests. It looks like the same mechanism that breaks up airplane contrails might be at play in forming the clumps of hydrogen gas that ring the remnant of supernova 1987A.