ScienceDaily: All - November 09, 2024
Today's top research news
New insights into the Denisovans: New hominin group that interbred with modern day humans
Scientists believe individuals of the most recently discovered 'hominin' group (the Denisovans) that interbred with modern day humans passed on some of their genes via multiple, distinct interbreeding events that helped shape early human history. Scientists outline evidence suggesting that several Denisovan populations, who likely had an extensive geographical range from Siberia to Southeast Asia and from Oceania to South America, were adapted to distinct environments. They further outline a number of genes of Denisovan origin that gave modern day humans advantages in their different environments.
Image: Red monkey/Shutterstock.com
Study of mountaineering mice sheds light on evolutionary adaptation
Highland deer mice and their lowland cousins ventured on a simulated seven-week ascent to 6,000 meters. By tracking how the mice responded to cold stress and progressively lower oxygen levels, the study tested whether deer mice have a generalized ability to acclimatize or whether some mice have evolved adaptations to local conditions. The highland mice were better able to regulate their body temperature, an indication that mice living at higher altitudes have evolved distinct ways to acclimatize to low oxygen conditions.
Heartier Heinz? How scientists are learning to help tomatoes beat the heat
Biologists found what makes some types of tomatoes more heat-tolerant, yielding insights that could help crops adapt to climate change.
Measurements from 'lost' Seaglider offer new insights into Antarctic ice melting
New research reveals for the first time how a major Antarctic ice shelf has been subjected to increased melting by warming ocean waters over the last four decades. Scientists say the study -- the result of their autonomous Seaglider getting accidentally stuck underneath the Ross Ice Shelf -- suggests this will likely only increase further as climate change drives continued ocean warming.
Geologists rewrite textbooks with new insights from the bottom of the Grand Canyon
Geoscientists employed current-day stratigraphic, depositional and paleontological models, along with modern technological muscle to provide updated insights of the Cambrian period of the Grand Canyon.
Power of aesthetic species on social media boosts wildlife conservation efforts, say experts
Facebook and Instagram can boost wildlife conservation efforts through public awareness and engagement, according to a new study.
How prisons fall short in protecting the incarcerated from climate disasters
A new study paints a grim picture of how blistering heat, wildfire smoke and other extreme weather events impact Colorado's jail and prison population.
Researchers drive solid-state innovation for renewable energy storage
Scientists are developing a formula for success -- by studying how a new type of battery fails. The team's goal is the design for long-term storage of wind and solar energy, which are produced intermittently, enabling their broader use as reliable energy sources for the electric grid.
Signals from the gut could transform rheumatoid arthritis treatment
Changes in the gut microbiome before rheumatoid arthritis is developed could provide a window of opportunity for preventative treatments, new research suggests.
Current test accommodations for students with blindness do not fully address their needs
Researchers in Japan have demonstrated that the current accommodations for examinees with blindness for examinations such as those related to admissions are inadequate, particularly for examinations requiring the reading of complex tables.
Groundbreaking research unlocks precision therapy for drug-resistant leukaemia
Scientists investigated how an inherited genetic variation common among East Asians contributes to drug resistance in cancer cells, driving more aggressive cancer growth. The team trialled a precision therapy for this group by blocking the action of a protein called MCL-1, successfully killing many of the cancer cells in laboratory studies.
Greener and cleaner: Yeast-green algae mix improves water treatment
Researchers have discovered that the combination of green algae and yeast enhances the efficiency of wastewater treatment.
Researchers are making jet engines fit for the hydrogen age
Hydrogen-powered planes are set to take wing around the world in the future. To make this possible, engineers have to develop the jet engines that will power them. Experiments by researchers are now providing the necessary basis for making these engines powerful and durable.
Dog-owner interaction is reflected in heart rate variability
A recent study showed that the heart rate variability of a dog and its owner adapt to each other during interaction. High heart rate variability is associated with relaxation, while low heart rate variability indicates stimulation. The study deepens our understanding of the emotional connection between a dog and its owner, including its underlying physiological mechanisms.
New option for treating prostate cancer
Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men worldwide. Researchers have investigated a new strategy for the development of treatment options that not only slow tumor growth, but also stimulate the immune system to combat tumor cells.
SARS-CoV-2 'steals' our proteins to protect itself from the immune system
Researchers have discovered that SARS-CoV-2 hijacks three important host proteins that dampen the activity of the complement system, a key component of early antiviral immunity. This significantly impairs viral clearance which may affect the course of both acute COVID-19 infections and post-COVID-19 sequelae.
Nanotechnology: Flexible biosensors with modular design
Researchers have developed a strategy that enables biosensors to be easily adapted for a wide range of applications.
Blocking a protein that imports lactic acid, a metabolic byproduct of cancer cells, reinvigorated exhausted T cells and led to improved tumor control in mouse models of cancer, according to a new study that describes how shutting off T cell access to inhibitory metabolites could be a promising new approach to cancer immunotherapy.
How much climate change is in the weather?
Only a few weeks ago, massive precipitation produced by the storm 'Boris' led to chaos and flooding in Central and Eastern Europe. An analysis shows that in a world without the current level of global warming Boris would have deposited roughly nine percent less rain. Such conclusions can be drawn thanks to a new modelling approach called 'storylines'.
Flagship AI-ready dataset released in type 2 diabetes study
Researchers today are releasing the flagship dataset from an ambitious study of biomarkers and environmental factors that might influence the development of type 2 diabetes. Because the study participants include people with no diabetes and others with various stages of the condition, the early findings hint at a tapestry of information distinct from previous research. All of these data are intended to be mined by artificial intelligence for novel insights about risks, preventive measures, and pathways between disease and health.
Pioneering Planetary Boundaries science as key to mitigating rising planetary risks
The Planetary Boundaries framework is a pivotal tool for tackling the climate crisis and safeguarding humanity's future on Earth. For the first time, the full story of the Planetary Boundaries is now being told from its beginning: In a review, researchers highlight the growing influence of the framework across disciplines and its impact on society and policy. The paper offers a unique overview of how the framework has been adopted across sectors.
Nanoparticle bursts over the Amazon rainforest
Atmospheric aerosol particles are essential for the formation of clouds and precipitation, thereby influencing the Earth's energy budget, water cycle, and climate. However, the origin of aerosol particles in pristine air over the Amazon rainforest during the wet season is poorly understood. A new study reveals that rainfall regularly induces bursts of newly formed nanoparticles in the air above the forest canopy.
Deep ocean clues to a million-year-old ice age puzzle revealed in new study
A new study challenges theories regarding the origins of a significant transition through the Earth's ice ages. The research provides fresh insights into the ocean's role in climate during the Mid-Pleistocene Transition, an enigmatic interval of change in climate cycles that began about one million years ago.
New material to make next generation of electronics faster and more efficient
Researchers have created a new material that will be pivotal in making the next generation of high-power electronics faster, transparent and more efficient.
Chalk-coated textiles cool in urban environments
As air temperatures stay elevated through fall months, people may still want clothes that cool them down while outside, especially if they live in cities that stay warmer than rural landscapes. Researchers who previously demonstrated a cooling fabric coating now report on additional tests of a treated polyester fabric. Fabric treated with the team's chalk-based coating kept the air underneath up to 6 degrees Fahrenheit cooler in warmer urban environments.
Scarlet Macaw parents 'play favorites,' purposefully neglect younger chicks
Researchers have discovered that scarlet macaws purposefully neglect feeding the youngest chicks in most broods, even when resources are plentiful. This results in only one or two chicks being able to fledge -- the process in which parents teach their young to fly and survive on their own -- even though broods may contain up to four chicks.
One gene provides diagnoses for 30 patients whose condition was unexplained for years
An international team of researchers has provided a genetic diagnosis for 30 individuals whose condition was undiagnosed for years despite extensive clinical or genetic testing.
Key pathway leading to neurodegeneration in early stages of ALS identified
Researchers identify a key pathway leading to neurodegeneration in early stages of ALS, hinting at the potential for short-circuiting the progression of the fatal disease if diagnosed early.
Elephant turns a hose into a sophisticated showering tool
Chimpanzees perform better on challenging computer tasks when they have an audience
When people have an audience watching them, it can change their performance for better or worse. Now, researchers have found that chimpanzees' performance on computer tasks is influenced by the number of people watching them. The findings suggest that this 'audience effect' predates the development of reputation-based human societies, the researchers say.
New medical AI tool identifies more cases of long COVID from patient health records
Researchers have developed a new precision AI tool to identify hidden cases of long COVID from patient medical records. Their new approach was more accurate than tools that look only at diagnostic codes, and found that 22.8 percent of the population experience symptoms of long COVID, a greater figure than previous estimates that may be less biased and more representative of national trends, according to the study's authors.
Insect-killing fungi find unexpected harmony in war
A new study reveals that two strains of pathogenic fungi unexpectedly divide insect victims amongst themselves rather than aggressively compete for resources.
Chemists showcase power of pathbreaking method to make complex molecules
Chemists break down barriers between labs and institutions to join forces for a new way of doing organic synthesis.
New study maps dramatic 100-million-year explosion in color signals used by animals
A recent study finds that color vision evolved in animals more than 100 million years before the emergence of colorful fruits and flowers. And there has been a dramatic explosion of color signals in the last 100 million years.
Mechanical engineers have developed a system of artificial cilia capable of monitoring mucus conditions in human airways to better detect infection, airway obstruction, or the severity of diseases like Cystic Fibrosis (CF), Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases (COPD) and lung cancer.
Researchers drive solid-state innovation for renewable energy storage
Scientists are developing a formula for success -- by studying how a new type of battery fails. The team's goal is the design for long-term storage of wind and solar energy, which are produced intermittently, enabling their broader use as reliable energy sources for the electric grid.
School suspensions and expulsions can lead to a lifetime of depression, study finds
A new study shows that children who are suspended or expelled from school report higher rates of depression in adolescence and into adulthood.
Memories are not only in the brain, new research finds
It's common knowledge that our brains -- and, specifically, our brain cells -- store memories. But a team of scientists has discovered that cells from other parts of the body also perform a memory function, opening new pathways for understanding how memory works and creating the potential to enhance learning and to treat memory-related afflictions.
Encouraging quiet during zoo visits might lead to a better appreciation of the animals
Encouraging quietness during zoo trips can help visitors better appreciate their inhabitants and lead to more fulfilling, respectful and informative experiences, a new paper argues.
Scientists trained AI to detect faces in pain, in goats
An AI model could accurately identify goats in pain, opening up better treatment opportunities for animals and non-verbal patients.
Soil sampling in Houston's Greater Fifth Ward reveals toxic levels of lead in yards, play areas
Study results showed the highest detectable concentrations of heavy metals were lead, barium and chromium. All samples except for lead had less than or the same levels expected for an urban area. The median levels of lead detected in seven samples from play areas (400 mg/kg) and three samples from residential areas (1200 mg/kg) were four times the levels for Texas overall. And these likely were underestimated because they did not account for lead-based paint or automotive fuel.
Physics with a twist: New findings on graphene
Researchers now reveal how various physical manipulations of graphene, such as layering and twisting, impact its optical properties and conductivity.