ScienceDaily: All - March 21, 2025
Today's top research news
Oxygen discovered in most distant known galaxy
Astronomers have detected oxygen in the most distant known galaxy, JADES-GS-z14-0. This record-breaking detection is making astronomers rethink how quickly galaxies formed in the early Universe.
Why do lymphatic vessels form a jigsaw puzzle-like pattern?
While researchers have long been familiar with the surface structure of lymphatic vessels, a groundbreaking study has now focused on their jigsaw puzzle-like pattern. This arrangement helps cells tolerate changes in fluid pressure, such as swelling. Similar cell shapes are found on the surface of plant leaves, and the principle has been employed in human-led design as well.
Scientists recently unveiled a first-of-its-kind authentication protocol for wireless, battery-free, ultraminiaturized implants that ensures these devices remain protected while still allowing emergency access.
Researchers discover Achilles heel of Lyme disease pathogen
Researchers have discovered that an enzyme can serve as an ideal target for developing new therapeutics against Lyme disease, and most likely other tick-borne diseases as well.
Study identifies viruses in red tide blooms for the first time
Identifying viruses associated with red tide can help researchers forecast the development of blooms and better understand environmental factors that can cause blooms to terminate. The study marks an initial step toward exploring viruses as biocontrol agents for red tide.
Recycled cements drive down emissions without slacking on strength
Engineers have developed an approach for recycling cement waste into a sustainable, low-carbon alternative that is comparable in performance to the industry standard.
How family background can help lead to athletic success
Americans have long believed that sports are one area in society that offers kids from all backgrounds the chance to succeed to the best of their abilities. But new research suggests that this belief is largely a myth, and that success in high school and college athletics often is influenced by race and gender, as well as socioeconomic status, including family wealth and education.
Peatlands' potential to capture carbon upgraded as temperatures rise
According to a predictive model, the microalgae present in peat bogs could offset up to 14% of future CO2 emissions, thanks to their photosynthetic activity. This conclusion was reached by basing the work on in situ experiments and the various predictive scenarios established by the IPCC. It is the first model to quantify the potential compensation of future CO2 emissions by peatlands on a global scale. This result lifts the veil on a currently ambiguous section of the terrestrial carbon cycle3 and its alterations by anthropogenic climate change.
Lithium-6 is essential for producing nuclear fusion fuel, but isolating it from the much more common isotope, lithium-7, usually requires liquid mercury, which is extremely toxic. Now, researchers have developed a mercury-free method to isolate lithium-6 that is as effective as the conventional method.
Adaptive defenses against malicious jumping genes
Adverse genetic mutations can cause harm and are due to various circumstances. 'Jumping genes' are one cause of mutations, but cells try and combat them with a specialized RNA called piRNA. Researchers have identified how the sites responsible for piRNA production evolve effective behaviors against jumping genes. This research could lead to downstream diagnostic or therapeutic applications.
Scientists use cellular programming to mimic first days of embryonic development
Using CRISPR-based engineering methods to prompt stem cells to organize into embryo-like structures, scientists were able to create 'programmable' cellular models of embryos without ever experimenting with any actual embryos.
Scientists have captured the first detailed 'molecular movie' showing DNA being unzipped at the atomic level -- revealing how cells begin the crucial process of copying their genetic material.
Beating the clock: Melanoma starts evading treatment within hours -- here's how to stop it
Researchers have uncovered a stealth survival strategy that melanoma cells use to evade targeted therapy, offering a promising new approach to improving treatment outcomes.
Restored stream supports new wild salmon run
A new study documents Putah Creek-origin salmon, meaning some salmon returning to the restored creek in the fall to spawn were actually born there. The study carries broader implications for other degraded streams and wild salmon runs.
Scientists have unveiled rapid fluctuations in river water temperature across the United States (US) with rivers controlled by dams showing more frequent and volatile thermal changes.
From dinosaurs to birds: the origins of feather formation
Feathers, essential for thermoregulation, flight, and communication in birds, originate from simple appendages known as proto-feathers, which were present in certain dinosaurs.By studying embryonic development of the chicken, researchers from the University of Geneva (UNIGE) have uncovered a key role of a molecular signalling pathway (the Shh pathway) in their formation. This research provides new insights into the morphogenetic mechanisms that led to feather diversification throughout evolution.
Why don't we remember being a baby? New study provides clues
Though we learn so much during our first years of life, we can't, as adults, remember specific events from that time. Researchers have long believed we don't hold onto these experiences because the part of the brain responsible for saving memories -- the hippocampus -- is still developing well into adolescence and just can't encode memories in our earliest years. But new research finds evidence that's not the case. In a study, researchers showed infants new images and later tested whether they remembered them. When an infant's hippocampus was more active upon seeing an image the first time, they were more likely to appear to recognize that image later. The findings indicate that memories can indeed be encoded in our brains in our first years of life. And the researchers are now looking into what happens to those memories over time.
New cannabis formula will help epilepsy, multiple sclerosis sufferers
Scientists have come up with an innovative solution to improve the effectiveness of cannabidiol to treat epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and other neurodegenerative diseases.
Parts of the brain that are needed to remember words identified
The parts of the brain that are needed to remember words, and how these are affected by a common form of epilepsy, have been identified by a team of neurologists and neurosurgeons at UCL.
Tiny musky rat-kangaroos hold the key to explain why 'roos hop
To understand why kangaroos hop -- a rarity among animals -- researchers have studied the musky rat-kangaroo (Hypsiprymnodon moschatus), a diminutive marsupial that weighs only 500 grams but is the last living representative of its family and part of a lineage that extends back to before kangaroos evolved their distinctive hopping gait.
Anti-amyloid drug shows signs of preventing Alzheimer's dementia
An experimental drug appears to reduce the risk of Alzheimer's-related dementia in people destined to develop the disease in their 30s, 40s or 50s, according to the results of a new study. The findings suggest -- for the first time in a clinical trial -- that early treatment to remove amyloid plaques from the brain many years before symptoms arise can delay the onset of Alzheimer's dementia.
Sleepier during the day? For some older people, it's linked to twice the dementia risk
For women in their 80s, experiencing increasing sleepiness during the day over a five-year period is associated with double the risk of developing dementia during that time, according to a new study. The study does not prove that daytime sleepiness causes dementia; it only shows an association.
Uniquely shaped, fast-heating nanoparticles halt ovarian tumor growth
New magnetic nanoparticles in the shape of a cube sandwiched between two pyramids represent a breakthrough for treating ovarian tumors and possibly other types of cancer.
Treasure trove of galaxies, glimpses of deep fields
On 19 March 2025, the European Space Agency's Euclid mission releases its first batch of survey data, including a preview of its deep fields. Here, hundreds of thousands of galaxies in different shapes and sizes take center stage and show a glimpse of their large-scale organization in the cosmic web.
Marine animals help solve ocean issues
Sensors attached to animals gather valuable data to track and mitigate the human influence on marine life. The review paper emphasizes the importance of integrating data from various sources and advocates for an 'Internet of Animals' based on open access and shared standards.
New carbon-negative material could make concrete and cement more sustainable
Researchers injected CO2 gas into seawater while applying an electrical current. The process transformed dissolved ions, minerals in seawater into clusters of solid particles. The clusters hold over half their weight in CO2 to become a carbon sink. Material could replace sand in concrete and be used in other construction materials while trapping CO2.
Quantum heat dynamics toggled by magnetic fields
The ability to conduct heat is one of the most fundamental properties of matter, crucial for engineering applications. Scientists know well how conventional materials, such as metals and insulators, conduct heat. However, things are not as straightforward under extreme conditions such as temperatures close to absolute zero combined with strong magnetic fields, where strange quantum effects begin to dominate. This is particularly true in the realm of quantum materials.
New data on Mpox vaccine effectiveness
A study has found that a single dose of the Imvanex vaccine provides protection against Mpox with 84% effectiveness. For people with HIV, however, a single dose of the vaccine fails to offer sufficient protection. All at-risk groups, and people with HIV in particular, should therefore receive the second dose of the vaccine as recommended.
New study challenges assumptions about solid-state lithium metal batteries
A recent study evaluating garnet-type solid electrolytes for lithium metal batteries finds that their expected energy density advantages may be overstated. The researchers posited that composite or quasi-solid-state electrolytes may be more viable alternatives.
Shaping the future of diabetes treatment with 3D bioprinting technology
An innovative platform replicates pancreatic functions, transforming diabetes therapy.
Good Sphagnum moss layer growth improves carbon sequestration in restored peatlands
Researchers measured post-restoration Sphagnum moss layer growth on 18 peatland sites in Finland 10 years after restoration. According to the study, a thick Sphagnum moss layer forms rapidly during the first 10 years after successful restoration, with carbon sequestration rates commonly exceeding those of pristine bogs.
Breakthrough in materials science: AI reveals secrets of dendritic growth in thin films
Dendritic structures that emerge during the growth of thin films are a major obstacle in large-area fabrication, a key step towards commercialization. However, current methods of studying dendrites involve crude visual inspection and subjective analysis. Moreover, growth optimization methods for controlling dendrite formation require extensive trial and error. Now, researchers have developed a new AI model that incorporates topology analysis and free energy to reveal the specific conditions and mechanisms that drive dendrite branching.
Plant patch can detect stress signals in real time
Environmental conditions can cause damaging stress to plants, posing challenges for home gardeners and farmers. Therefore, early detection -- before leaves visibly discolor, wilt or wither -- is crucial. Now, researchers have created a wearable patch for plants that quickly senses stress and relays the information to a grower. The electrochemical sensor attaches directly to live plant leaves and monitors hydrogen peroxide, a key distress signal.
Team finds regional, age-related trends in exposure to drug-resistant pathogen
Campylobacter infections are the most common foodborne illnesses in the U.S., sickening an estimated 1.5 million people each year. A new study examined records of Campylobacter jejuni infections from 10 states, plotting regional, age-related, and drug-resistance trends from 2013 to 2019. The study found that drug-resistant C. jejuni infections were highest in the 20-39 age group and that quinolone-resistant C. jejuni infections increased from 2013-2019. The researchers also identified regional differences in C. jejuni resistance to quinolones and six other classes of antibiotics.
Unknown microorganisms used marble and limestone as a habitat
In the desert areas of Namibia, Oman, and Saudi Arabia, research work has revealed unusual structures that are probably due to the activity of an unknown microbiological life form. Unusually small burrows, i.e., tiny tubes that run through the rock in a parallel arrangement from top to bottom, were discovered in marble and limestone of these desert regions.
Scientists call for targeted fiber diets to boost health
Food scientists have reclassified dietary fibers -- beyond just soluble and insoluble -- to better guide nutritional decisions and drive targeted health food products.
AI technology improves Parkinson's diagnoses
AI-driven software is 96% accurate at diagnosing Parkinson's.
Groundbreaking AI tool generates 3D map of the brain
A new AI tool builds sophisticated map of mouse brains.
New material for efficient separation of Deuterium at elevated Temperatures
A novel porous material capable of separating deuterium (D2) from hydrogen (H2) at a temperature of 120 K has been introduced. Notably, this temperature exceeds the liquefaction point of natural gas, thus facilitating large-scale industrial applications. This advancement presents an attractive pathway for the economical production of D2 by leveraging the existing infrastructure of liquefied natural gas (LNG) production pipelines.
Nanocellulose treated with red onion dye provides effective UV protection for solar cells
Researchers investigated how to use bio-based materials to produce effective UV protection films for solar cells. The study was the first to compare how the properties of different bio-based UV filters change over time.
Can online games be an effective intervention to help adolescents reduce substance abuse?
For adolescents struggling with substance abuse, traditional in-person interventions such as counseling are not always effective, and rural areas often lack access to these services. A researcher is thinking outside the box, aiming to help game designers develop fun, digital games that make ditching bad habits easier by meeting adolescents where they already are: online.
Rethinking how we study the impact of heat on heart health
A new study reveals that encapsulated heating methods, an often-used heat simulation method, significantly increase heart rates and cardiac strain compared to natural heat exposure like those experienced during hot weathers. Understanding how extreme heat impacts heart function is crucial for developing effective strategies to protect vulnerable groups, especially as global temperatures continue to rise.
Pregnancy irreversibly remodels the mouse intestine
Researchers have found that the small intestine grows in response to pregnancy in mice. This partially irreversible change may help mice support a pregnancy and prepare for a second.
New study challenges assumptions about SEP-1 bundle compliance and sepsis outcomes
A new study raises critical questions about the effectiveness of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' (CMS) sepsis quality measure, known as the Severe Sepsis/Septic Shock Management Bundle (SEP-1).
Earliest stages and possible new cause of stomach cancer revealed
Scientists have systematically analyzed somatic mutations in stomach lining tissue to unpick mutational processes, some of which can lead to cancer. The team also uncovered hints of a potential new cause of stomach cancer that needs further research.
Machine learning aids in detection of 'brain tsunamis'
EPA regulations cut power sector emissions but miss opportunities for deeper reductions
Regulations finalized by the Environmental Protection Agency in 2024 could cut emissions from the power sector by 51% over 2022 levels, compared to only 26% without the rules, according to a new analysis. The study helps identify the likely effects of current regulations, highlights the impact of potential repeal on U.S. emissions, and quantifies the overall efficiency of emissions reductions achieved by the current rules.