ScienceDaily: All - March 18, 2024
Today's top research news
Speaking without vocal cords, thanks to a new AI-assisted wearable device
Bioengineers have invented a thin, flexible device that adheres to the neck and translates the muscle movements of the larynx into audible speech. The device is trained through machine learning to recognize which muscle movements correspond to which words. The self-powered technology could serve as a non-invasive tool for people who have lost the ability to speak due to vocal cord problems.
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Fatty food before surgery may impair memory in old, young adults
Eating fatty food in the days leading up to surgery may prompt a heightened inflammatory response in the brain that interferes for weeks with memory-related cognitive function in older adults -- and, new research in animals suggests, even in young adults.
Oregon State researchers take deep dive into how much water is stored in snow
There's a new metric that provides a more holistic look at how much water is stored in snowpack, and for how long.
'Noisy' roundworm brains give rise to individuality
Research has demonstrated individual differences in and successfully extracted commonalities from the whole-brain activity of roundworms. The researchers also found that computer simulations based on the whole-brain activity of roundworms more accurately reflect real-brain activity when they include so-called 'noise,' or probabilistic elements.
Gut bacteria make neurotransmitters to shape the newborn immune system
Investigators discovered that unique bacteria colonize the gut shortly after birth and make the neurotransmitter serotonin to educate gut immune cells. This prevents allergic reactions to food and the bacteria themselves during early development.
Why killer T cells lose energy inside of solid tumors
Researchers have discovered the reason why immune cells lose energy when they enter the solid tumor microenvironment -- and how to restore their energy levels. A metabolic enzyme, called Acetyl-CoA carboxylase, has been identified as the culprit, for it causes T cells to store fat, rather than burning fat for energy.
Even inactive smokers are densely colonized by microbial communities
Everything is everywhere -- under certain conditions microbial communities can grow and thrive, even in places that are seemingly uninhabitable. This is the case at inactive hydrothermal vents on the sea floor. An international team is presently working to accurately quantify how much inorganic carbon can be bound in these environments.
Meteorology: Weak polar vortex makes weather more predictable
Events in the stratosphere are making long-range weather in Northern Europe easier to forecast, researchers have discovered.
Breakthrough in ultraviolet spectroscopy
Physicists achieve major leap in precision and accuracy at extremely low light levels.
Arctic nightlife: Seabird colony bursts with sound at night
Acoustic recordings of a colony of little auks reveal their nocturnal activities and offer valuable monitoring means for avian biology in the Arctic.
Revolutionary method developed for mass-producing polymer solid electrolytes
Scientists have unveiled a groundbreaking technique for mass-producing polymer solid electrolytes, crucial components in batteries.
New research suggests that our universe has no dark matter
A new study challenges the current model of the universe by showing that, in fact, it has no room for dark matter.
Protein fragments ID two new 'extremophile' microbes--and may help find alien life
Perfectly adapted microorganisms live in extreme environments from deep-sea trenches to mountaintops. Learning more about how these extremophiles survive in hostile conditions could inform scientists about life on Earth and potential life on other planets.
Plasma oscillations propel breakthroughs in fusion energy
Researchers have discovered a new class of plasma oscillations -- the back-and-forth, wave-like movement of electrons and ions. The research paves the way for improved particle accelerators and commercial fusion energy.
Shark-bitten orcas in the Northeastern Pacific could be a new population of killer whale
Researchers believe a group of killer whales observed hunting marine mammals including sperm whales, as well as a sea turtle, in the open ocean off California and Oregon could be a new population. Based on available evidence, the researchers posit that the 49 orcas could belong to a subpopulation of transient killer whales or a unique oceanic population found in waters off the coast of California and Oregon.
How the brain translates motivation into goal-oriented behavior, according to new study
Hunger can drive a motivational state that leads an animal to a successful pursuit of a goal -- foraging for and finding food. In a highly novel study, researchers describe how two major neuronal subpopulations in a part of the brain's thalamus called the paraventricular nucleus participate in the dynamic regulation of goal pursuits. This research provides insight into the mechanisms by which the brain tracks motivational states to shape instrumental actions.
Breakthrough could make automated dosing systems universal
Automated insulin dosing systems combine low-cost blood-glucose monitors with insulin pumps that use precision dosing to continuously regulate blood-sugar and hold it steady. Synthetic biologists have found a way to piggyback on the technology and make it universally applicable for the precision dosing of virtually any drug.
Groundbreaking study reveals extensive leatherback turtle activity along U.S. coastline
A new study provides groundbreaking findings that offer insights on the migration and foraging patterns of leatherback sea turtles along the Northwest Atlantic shelf.
A theory linking ignition with flame provides roadmap to better combustion engines
Researchers have theoretically linked ignition and deflagration in a combustion system, unlocking new configurations for stable, efficient combustion engines due to the possible existence of any number of steady-state solutions.
Study of long-term student engagement challenges 'one great teacher' narrative of education
A positive relationship with a teacher at an early age may help children to feel more engaged with school, but not necessarily in the long term, new research shows. A new study of more than 3,600 young people in Australia shows that their 'school engagement' -- their interest in school and willingness to learn -- fluctuates between ages eight and 15, especially during the transition between primary and secondary education.
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.