ScienceDaily: All - March 22, 2025
Today's top research news
Origin of life: How microbes laid the foundation for complex cells
Who were our earliest ancestors? The answer could lie in a special group of single-celled organisms with a cytoskeleton similar to that of complex organisms, such as animals and plants.
Good fences make good neighbors (with carnivores)
A new study has found that fortified enclosures also benefit nearby livestock keepers by preventing carnivore attacks.
Combination of cosmic processes shapes the size and location of sub-Neptunes
A combination of cosmic processes shapes the formation of one of the most common types of planets outside of our solar system, according to a new study.
Age of upcoming asteroid flyby target
New modeling indicates the main belt asteroid (52246) Donaldjohanson may have formed about 150 million years ago when a larger parent asteroid broke apart; its orbit and spin properties have undergone significant evolution since. When NASA's Lucy spacecraft flies by this approximately three-mile-wide space rock on April 20, 2025, the data collected could provide independent insights on such processes based on its shape, surface geology and cratering history.
Psychological prehabilitation improves surgical recovery
A new analysis led by surgeons finds that psychological prehabilitation can significantly enhance recovery after surgery. The study found that psychological prehabilitation significantly reduces the length of hospital stay, pain, anxiety, and depression after surgery.
Neighborhood dispute among cells: Whichever successfully exerts force wins
Trial of strength at the cellular level: Cells are in constant competition with each other and so eliminate diseased or unwanted cells. Cell competition is therefore a central principle for maintaining the health of tissues and organs. Researchers have investigated the success factors of superior cells and discovered a previously unknown winning strategy in mechanical cell competition. They identified a variety in the ability of cells to exert mechanical forces onto other cells as the decisive regulator.
Unique dove species is the dodo of the Caribbean and in similar danger of dying out
Ancient DNA shows an endangered dove species endemic to Cuba is more genetically distinct than the dodo was before it died out.
Twisting atomically thin materials could advance quantum computers
Researchers show that precisely layering nano-thin materials creates excitons -- essentially, artificial atoms -- that can act as quantum information bits, or qubits.
Maternal depression can lead to children's emotional overeating, study shows
Up to 25% of new mothers suffer from postpartum depression, which can significantly impact their parenting behavior and the wellbeing of their children. A new study looks at long-term effects of early maternal depression on children, underscoring the need to provide adequate support for mothers who might be struggling.
Slow, silent 'scream' of epithelial cells detected for first time
It has long been thought that only nerve and heart cells use electric impulses to communicate, while epithelial cells -- which compose the linings of our skin, organs and body cavities -- are mute, serving mostly as protective barriers that can absorb and secrete various substances. But researchers have now upended the status quo by showing that epithelial cells do indeed 'talk' to each other, albeit with slow electrical signals.
Iguanas floated one-fifth of the way around the world to colonize Fiji
The only iguanas outside the Americas, Fiji iguanas are an enigma. A new genetic analysis shows that they are most closely related to the North American desert iguana, having separated about 34 million years ago, around the same time that the islands emerged from the sea. This suggests that the iguanas rafted 5,000 miles across the Pacific from western North America to reach Fiji -- the longest known transoceanic dispersal of any land animal.
Peacekeeper cells protect the body from autoimmunity during infection
New research shows how a specially trained population of immune cells keeps the peace by preventing other immune cells from attacking their own. The study provides a better understanding of immune regulation during infection and could provide a foundation for interventions to prevent or reverse autoimmune diseases.
Transition point in romantic relationships signals the beginning of their end
The end of a romantic relationship usually does not come out of the blue but is indicated one or two years before the breakup. As the results of a psychological study have demonstrated, the terminal stage of a relationship consists of two phases. First, there is a gradual decline in relationship satisfaction, reaching a transition point one to two years before the dissolution of the relationship.
Southeast Asia's fisheries benefit from small-scale, multispecies capture
Despite decades of warnings about overfishing, Southeast Asia's capture fisheries have proven remarkably robust.
Bubbly idea: Ultrafine bubble showers suppress atopic dermatitis
A medical research team has confirmed that ultrafine bubble showers significantly suppress inflammation in mice with atopic dermatitis due to external factors.
Research team uncovers structure of cellular protective layer
Scientists have uncovered details of the protective layer that surrounds the fine protrusions of cells.
Proton-coupled electron transfer: Deciphered with high pressure
Chemists reveal method for differentiating PCET mechanisms -- a key step for steering fundamental energy conversion and redox catalysis processes.
Potential risk biomarkers found for schizophrenia resulting from cannabis use
A new study has analyzed and compared the fatty acids in the blood of individuals with schizophrenia, of those with cannabis use disorder and of those with both diagnoses, with the aim of shedding light on new biomarkers and improving the understanding of the biological relationship between the two disorders. The study also offers a powerful tool for identifying new biomarkers.
Device enables direct communication among multiple quantum processors
Researchers developed a scalable interconnect that facilitates all-to-all communication among many quantum processor modules by enabling each to send and receive quantum information on demand in a user-specified direction. They used the interconnect to demonstrate remote entanglement, a type of correlation that is key to creating a powerful, distributed network of quantum processors.
New real-time method for environmental monitoring
Detecting microplastics and identifying plant stress at an early stage -- this and much more can now be done thanks to a new method based on near-infrared light measurements. It is inexpensive and works in real time.
VR study reveals how pain and fear weaken sense of body ownership
A study found that when people were told to imagine their virtual bodies in pain, their brains resisted the illusion of ownership. Their findings could provide insights into why some people may struggle with feeling connected to their own bodies, particularly in contexts involving depersonalization or negative physical states.
Nursery of the blood: How stem cells calm the body's immune response
Our blood consists of many cell types that develop through different stages from a precursor type -- the blood stem cell. An international research team has now investigated the developmental pathways of blood cells in humans. The results yielded a surprise: Even stem cells possess surface proteins that enable them to suppress the activation of inflammatory and immune responses in the body. This finding is particularly relevant for stem cell transplants, applied for the treatment of e.g. leukemia.
New eye drops slow vision loss in animals
Researchers have developed eye drops that extend vision in animal models of a group of inherited diseases that lead to progressive vision loss in humans, known as retinitis pigmentosa.
Boosting brain's waste removal system improves memory in old mice
Aging compromises the lymphatic vessels surrounding the brain, disabling waste drainage from the brain and impacting cognitive function. Researchers boosted lymphatic vessel integrity in old mice and found improvements in their memory compared with old mice without rejuvenated lymphatic vessels.
Green recipe: Engineered yeast boosts D-lactic acid production
Researchers have engineered yeast to efficiently convert methanol into D-lactic acid, a key compound for biodegradable plastics and pharmaceuticals. By optimizing gene and promoter combinations, they achieved the highest reported yield to date, offering a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based production. Their findings advance eco-friendly chemical manufacturing.
Almost half of children with complicated appendicitis can recover from surgery at home
Almost half of children who require surgery for complicated appendicitis can safely complete their recovery at home, according to a new study.
Aotearoa once home to elephant seals
Southern elephant seals are the 'canary in the coal mine' for the Southern Ocean, offering insight into how the ecosystem may react to future climate change and human impact, new research shows.
New DESI results strengthen hints that dark energy may evolve
The Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument used millions of galaxies and quasars to build the largest 3D map of our universe to date. Combining their data with other experiments shows signs that the impact of dark energy may be weakening over time -- and the standard model of how the universe works may need an update.
Researchers capture first laser-driven, high-resolution CT scans of dense objects
A research team has achieved a new milestone in 3D X-ray imaging technology. The scientists have captured high-resolution CT scans of the interior of a large, dense object -- a gas turbine blade -- using a compact, laser-driven X-ray source. The work is part of a larger vision to leverage high-intensity lasers for a wide range of uses, from studying inertial fusion energy to generating bright beams of GeV electrons and MeV x-rays.
AI-powered mammograms: A new window into heart health
Mammograms, with the help of artificial intelligence (AI) models, may reveal much more than cancer, according to a new study. The findings highlight how these important cancer screening tools can also be used to assess the amount of calcium buildup in the arteries within breast tissue -- an indicator of cardiovascular health.
Weather emergencies affect older adults' views on climate and health
Nearly 3 out of every 4 older Americans have experienced at least one extreme weather event in the last two years, a poll finds. And living through such an event appears to make a big difference in how they view the potential impact of climate change on their health. People over 50 who recently experienced an extreme weather event are far more likely to express concern about the effects of climate change on their health.
New AI tool generates high-quality images faster than state-of-the-art approaches
Researchers developed a hybrid AI approach that can generate realistic images with the same or better quality than state-of-the-art diffusion models, but that runs about nine times faster and uses fewer computational resources. The tool uses an autoregressive model to quickly capture the big picture and then a small diffusion model to refine the details of the image.
Muonic atoms unlock new possibilities in nuclear physics
Researchers have combined theory and experiments to show that nuclear polarization does not limit studies of muonic atoms, clearing the way for new nuclear physics experiments.
How a Y chromosome gene may shape the course of heart valve disease
Researchers have shed new light on how a type of heart valve disease -- aortic valve stenosis -- progresses differently in males and females.
Part of the genetic risk for schizophrenia acts through the placenta
An international team has identified associations between modifications in the placenta and the risk of developing schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depression disorder.
The fine control of cell mechanics
Our skin and mucous membranes are protected by epithelial cells. This 'barrier' tissue performs its function thanks to specialized structures called 'junctions'. They ensure cell cohesion and regulate exchanges across the space between cells. Researchers have studied the role of a specific protein, gamma-actin, in the organization and mechanics of epithelial cells and their junctions. Their work reveals a mechanism of interdependence of different forms of the cytoskeletal proteins actin and myosin, and their functions. The team also demonstrates the key role of gamma-actin in the rigidity of cell membranes and the dynamics of junctional proteins, which may provide a mechanism of hearing loss.
New CRISPR tool enables more seamless gene editing -- and improved disease modeling
Advances in the gene-editing technology known as CRISPR-Cas9 over the past 15 years have yielded important new insights into the roles that specific genes play in many diseases. But to date this technology -- which allows scientists to use a 'guide' RNA to modify DNA sequences and evaluate the effects -- is able to target, delete, replace, or modify only single gene sequences with a single guide RNA and has limited ability to assess multiple genetic changes simultaneously. Now, however, scientists have developed a series of sophisticated mouse models using CRISPR ('clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats') technology that allows them to simultaneously assess genetic interactions on a host of immunological responses to multiple diseases, including cancer.
Could the layout of trees impact human health?
A long-term Switzerland-wide study has found that neighbourhoods with numerous, well-arranged trees exhibit lower mortality risks than other areas. The reasons behind this, and the factors that play a role, will require further research.
Novel memristors to overcome AI's 'catastrophic forgetting'
Memristors consume extremely little power and behave similarly to brain cells. Researchers have now introduced novel memristive that offer significant advantages: they are more robust, function across a wider voltage range, and can operate in both analog and digital modes. Their unique properties could help address the problem of 'catastrophic forgetting,' where artificial neural networks abruptly forget previously learned information.