ScienceDaily: All - May 16, 2024
Today's top research news
Infertility treatment doubles the risk of postpartum heart disease
Researchers tie infertility treatment to a particular risk for hypertensive diseases.
Scientists want to know how the smells of nature benefit our health
Spending time in nature is good for us. And knowing more about nature's effects on our bodies could not only help our well-being, but could also improve how we care for land, preserve ecosystems and design cities, homes and parks. Many studies have focused on how seeing nature affects us. A team of scientists from around the world wants to understand what the nose knows. They are calling for more research into how odors and scents from natural settings impact our health and well-being.
Image: Masn Fal/Shutterstock.com
Killer whales breathe just once between dives, study confirms
A new study has confirmed a long-held assumption: that orcas take just one breath between dives. The researchers used drone footage and biological data from tags suction-cupped to 11 northern and southern resident killer whales off the coast of B.C. to gather information on the animals' habits. Confirming orcas take only one breath between dives allowed the researchers to calculate how many litres of oxygen adults and juveniles consume per minute. This provides another piece of the puzzle in estimating orca energy expenditure, and eventually, how many fish the animals need to eat per day, key to their conservation.
Animal brain inspired AI game changer for autonomous robots
A team of researchers has developed a drone that flies autonomously using neuromorphic image processing and control based on the workings of animal brains. Animal brains use less data and energy compared to current deep neural networks running on GPUs (graphic chips). Neuromorphic processors are therefore very suitable for small drones because they don't need heavy and large hardware and batteries. The results are extraordinary: during flight the drone's deep neural network processes data up to 64 times faster and consumes three times less energy than when running on a GPU. Further developments of this technology may enable the leap for drones to become as small, agile, and smart as flying insects or birds.
The crystallization of memory: Study reveals how practice forms new memory pathways in the brain
A new study has shown that repetitive practice not only is helpful in improving skills but also leads to profound changes in the brain's memory pathways.
New insights into phage therapy design
Results from a new study are providing new insights into the therapeutic potential of bacteriophage (phage) therapy for treating diseases like cystic fibrosis (CF).
This time, it's personal: Enhancing patient response to cancer immunotherapy
Scientists uncover why cancer patients with ARID1A gene mutations are more likely to respond to immunotherapy, discovering ARID1A mutations invite cancer-fighting immune cells into tumors by triggering an antiviral-like response. Their findings could help improve cancer care and drug development for many cancer types, including endometrial, ovarian, colon, gastric, liver, and pancreatic cancers.
Heating proteins to body temperature reveals new drug targets
Some proteins shift their shape when exposed to different temperatures, revealing previously unknown binding sites for medications. The findings could revolutionize wide swathes of biology by fundamentally changing how protein structure is studied and leveraged for drug design.
Final dust settles slowly in the deep sea
'Dust clouds' at the bottom of the deep sea, that will be created by deep-sea mining activities, descend at a short distance for the biggest part. Yet, a small portion of the stirred-up bottom material remains visible in the water at long distances.
John Milton's notes discovered, including a rare example of prudish censorship
John Milton's handwritten annotations have been identified in a copy of Raphael Holinshed's Chronicles (1587), a vital source of inspiration for the Paradise Lost poet. The discovery makes this one of only three known books to preserve Milton's handwritten reading notes, and one of only nine books to have survived from his library.
Tiger beetles fight off bat attacks with ultrasonic mimicry
When tiger beetles hear a bat nearby, they respond by creating a high-pitched, ultrasonic noise, and for the past 30 years, no one has known why. In a new study, scientists lay the mystery to rest by showing that tiger beetles use ultrasonic warning signals that mimic those of toxic moths.
Using AI to improve building energy use and comfort
Researchers have developed a new method that can lead to significant energy savings in buildings. The team identified 28 major heat loss regions in a multi-unit residential building with the most severe ones being at wall intersections and around windows. A potential energy savings of 25 per cent is expected if 70 per cent of the discovered regions are fixed.
Studying bubbles can lead to more efficient biofuel motors
By studying how bubbles form in a drop of biodiesel, researchers can help future engines get the most energy out of the fuel.
Now we know, what gets roots to grow: Can help in future droughts
A biological mechanism familiar to people who fast helps plant roots grow strong. The discovery provides an answer to a long-unanswered question and a deeper understanding of the 'mouths' of plants that can help to develop climate-resilient crops.
Research sheds light on how proteins linked to Alzheimer's disease influence neuronal growth
New research has shed light in the complex interplay between cell proteins, and how they impact on neurons in neurodevelopmental disorders and Alzheimer's disease.
Detection of an Earth-sized exoplanet orbiting the ultracool dwarf star SPECULOOS-3
Astronomers have just discovered a new Earth-sized exoplanet around SPECULOOS-3, an 'ultracool dwarf' star as small as Jupiter, twice as cold as our Sun, and located 55 light-years from Earth. After the famous TRAPPIST-1, SPECULOOS 3 is the second planetary system discovered around this type of star.
An active agent against hepatitis E
At present, there is no specific active substance against hepatitis E. As the disease kills 70,000 people every year, researchers are actively searching for one. A team may have found what they're looking for. The researchers showed that the compound K11777 prevents host cells from helping the virus out of its shell by cleaving the viral capsid. This means it can no longer infect cells.
New group training tool for the prevention of dementia
The system is already in use in retirement homes. Researchers have now tested how effective it is in a scientific study.
Much more than a world first image of radioactive cesium atoms
Thirteen years after the nuclear disaster at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (FDNPP), a breakthrough in analysis has permitted a world first: direct imaging of radioactive cesium (Cs) atoms in environmental samples.
Green concrete recycling twice the coal ash is built to last
New modelling reveals that low-carbon concrete can recycle double the amount of coal ash compared to current standards, halve the amount of cement required and perform exceptionally well over time.
Parasitic worm likely playing role in decline of moose populations
A parasitic worm that can infest the brains of moose appears to be playing a role in the decline of the iconic animal in some regions of North America. Moose populations have been dwindling for years across the country due to many contributing factors, but new research has found the impact of Eleaophora schneideri, also known as the arterial worm, has likely been underestimated.
Two genes of the germline are essential for the development of brain tumors in Drosophila
Researchers have discovered that blocking both genes brings about a significant reduction in tumor size. The study reveals important differences between tumors in male and female Drosophila and how this often overlooked biological variable could impact cancer treatment.
Exploring the mechanism behind drug eruptions in the skin
Although drug eruptions are often linked to the human leukocyte antigen (HLA), the mechanism of its involvement in presenting symptoms of the skin remains unclear. In a recent study, researchers used genetically engineered mice to demonstrate the role of HLA in mediating intracellular reactions in keratinocytes, leading to drug eruptions in the skin. Their findings could lead to improved preventive and treatment measures for drug eruptions.
Longer sprint intervals can improve muscle oxygen utilization compared to shorter intervals
Sprint interval training (SIT) is a form of exercise characterized by cycles of intense exercise which are interspersed by short durations of rest. In a recent study, researchers deep dive into the intricate connections among various parameters of SIT, such as duration and repetitions, and the resulting physiological responses. Their findings can aid in developing well-informed and tailored sprint training regimens that significantly benefit the modern-day population.
Fighting fat and inflammation: Scientists develop powerful new compounds
Obesity and inflammatory diseases are increasing in prevalence and contribute to the growing burden of lifestyle disorders such as diabetes and hypertension. There is a lack of naturally derived alternatives to tackle these issues. Researchers have synthesized novel amino acid derivatives of menthol and studied its properties. The menthyl esters showed exceptional anti-inflammatory and anti-obesity activities during preclinical studies and can be developed as therapeutic compounds with further research.
New cardiac research will save women's lives by improving detection of heart failure
An important new study has advanced how heart failure is detected in women -- meaning more female patients can be diagnosed and at an earlier stage.
Robots' and prosthetic hands' sense of touch could be as fast as humans
Research could pave the way for a prosthetic hand and robot to be able to feel touch like a human hand. The technology could also be used to help restore lost functionality to patients after a stroke.
Highly pathogenic avian flu detected in New York City wild birds
A small number of New York City wild birds carry highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza, according to a recent study.
Repurposed beer yeast may offer a cost-effective way to remove lead from water
Engineered yeast-containing hydrogel capsules could be used to remove lead from contaminated water rapidly and inexpensively. The work could be especially useful in low-income areas with high lead contamination.
Alzheimer's disease without symptoms: How is that possible?
Everyone experiences aging in their own way, and factors such as genetics, lifestyle and environment play a role in this process. Some individuals reach the age of 90 or even 100 in good health, without medications or brain disease. But how do these individuals maintain their health as they age?
A recent study has found that an ion transporter protein that regulates the pH of specific brain cells can repair the blood-brain barrier and restore normal brain function after ischemic stroke. The study has revealed novel and specific therapeutic targets for ischemic stroke and related brain conditions for which no targeted treatments exist currently.
Researchers use artificial intelligence to boost image quality of metalens camera
Researchers have leveraged deep learning techniques to enhance the image quality of a metalens camera. The new approach uses artificial intelligence to turn low-quality images into high-quality ones, which could make these cameras viable for a multitude of imaging tasks including intricate microscopy applications and mobile devices.
A simple quantum internet with significant possibilities
It's one thing to dream up a quantum internet that could send hacker-proof information around the world via photons superimposed in different quantum states. It's quite another to physically show it's possible. That's exactly what physicists have done, using existing Boston-area telecommunication fiber, in a demonstration of the world's longest fiber distance between two quantum memory nodes to date.
Iconic baobabs: The origin and long-distance travels of upside down trees
The research cracks the code on the iconic baobab tree's origin story, revealing their surprising origins in Madagascar and incredible long-distance dispersals to Africa and Australia. The study unveils how baobabs developed unique pollination mechanisms -- some attracting hawkmoths, others lemurs, and even bats -- showcasing remarkable evolutionary adaptations. The research sheds light on how climate change has shaped the baobab's distribution and diversification over millions of years, offering valuable insights for understanding plant responses to future environmental shifts.
First 'warm-blooded' dinosaurs may have emerged 180 million years ago
The ability to regulate body temperature, a trait all mammals and birds have today, may have evolved among some dinosaurs early in the Jurassic period about 180 million years ago. The new study looked at the spread of dinosaurs across different climates on Earth throughout the Mesozoic Era (the dinosaur era lasting from 230 to 66 million years ago), drawing on 1,000 fossils, climate models and the geography of the period, and dinosaurs' evolutionary trees.
Bio-based resins could offer recyclable future for 3D printing
A new type of recyclable resin, made from biosourced materials, has been designed for use in 3D printing applications.
Promising new development in solar cell technology
Researchers who contributed to the development of record-breaking solar cells a few years ago, expanded their invention. The self-assembled monolayers can now be applied not only in inverted but also in regular structure perovskite solar cells.
Scientists generate heat over 1,000 degrees Celsius with solar power instead of fossil fuel
Instead of burning fossil fuels to smelt steel and cook cement, researchers in Switzerland want to use heat from the sun. The proof-of-concept study uses synthetic quartz to trap solar energy at temperatures over 1,000 C (1,832 F), demonstrating the method's potential role in providing clean energy for carbon-intensive industries.
The case for sharing carbon storage risk
Even the most optimistic projections for the rapid build-out of solar, wind, and other low-carbon resources acknowledge that coal, natural gas, and other fossil fuels will dominate the world's energy mix for decades to come. If the vast greenhouse gas emissions from burning these fossil fuels continue to enter the planet's atmosphere, global warming will not be limited to sustainable levels. The capture and geologic sequestration of carbon emissions (CCS) offer a promising solution to the world's carbon conundrum.
Genetics provide key to fight crown-of-thorns starfish
Scientists are one step closer to combating coral-destroying crown-of-thorns starfish, following a study into the pest's genetics.
Global methane emissions automatically detected in satellite imagery using AI
Methane is particularly targeted for curbing greenhouse gas emissions because its significant global-warming potential in the short term exceeds carbon dioxide by over 80-fold. However, monitoring methane emissions and compiling their quantities have been challenging due to limiting trade-offs with existing detection methods. Researchers developed a method to automatically detect methane emissions at a global scale, potentially providing methane detection at high frequency and high resolution from point sources.
Meet the new insect killing Utah's fir trees
The balsam woolly adelgid, a tiny nonnative flightless insect, is spreading across the American West killing subalpine fir in northern Utah's recreation-heavy mountain ranges and canyons. Rsearchers document a close association between the pest's spread and warming temperatures.
Counterfeit coins can be detected more easily thanks to a novel approach
Researchers present a novel framework that uses image-mining techniques and machine learning algorithms to identify flaws in counterfeit coins. The researchers' framework uses fuzzy association rules mining to find patterns that are similar but 'fuzzy,' i.e., not clear enough to be exact copies. However, the framework will eventually arrive at a certain range of results where positive matches be confidently identified.to extract frequent patterns from the images. These patterns capture relationships among the blobs' attributes, such as color, texture, shape and size. The patterns help researchers to better understand the images and tell whether a coin is real or fake.
Scientists develop an affordable sensor for lead contamination
A new system could enable simple, low-cost detectors for monitoring water for lead contamination, and potentially other heavy metals as well.
Far from toxic, lactate rivals glucose as body's major fuel after a carbohydrate meal
Scientists have documented the benefits of lactate burning in exercising humans, but few studies have looked at the role of lactate during rest or after a meal. Exercise physiologists challenged fasting men and women with a carbohydrate meal and then monitored lactate in the blood and fat vs carbohydrate metabolism. They found that lactate buffers glucose from a meal, and that lactate is utilized for energy almost as much as glucose.
Study links sleep apnea severity during REM stage to verbal memory decline
A research team has revealed the link between the frequency of sleep apnea events during the rapid-eye-movement stage and the severity of verbal memory impairment in older adults at risk for Alzheimer's disease. Verbal memory refers to the cognitive ability to retain and recall information presented through spoken words or written text and is particularly vulnerable to Alzheimer's.
Simulating diffusion using 'kinosons' and machine learning
Researchers have recast diffusion in multicomponent alloys as a sum of individual contributions, called 'kinosons.' Using machine learning to compute the statistical distribution of the individual contributions, they were able to model the alloy and calculate its diffusivity orders of magnitude more efficiently than computing whole trajectories.
Petroleum, chlorine mix could yield harmful byproducts
A new study shows that chlorine mixed with petroleum in water can potentially produce inadvertent byproducts harmful to human health.
Researchers uncover what makes some chickens more water efficient than others
Research indicates a specially bred line of chickens could save growers thousands of gallons of water and thousands of pounds of food each month without sacrificing poultry health.
Environmentally caused alterations to specific areas of the genome -- known as imprint control regions -- during early development may contribute to the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, and Black people may be more affected than white people.