ScienceDaily: All - November 15, 2024
Today's top research news
It's my brain's fault! Why teenagers make often unwise decisions
Adults exhibit a general tendency to make better decisions than adolescents, and this improvement drives an increase in specific and more sophisticated choice behaviors, according to a new study.
Image: Artisticco/Shutterstock.com
New discovery enables gene therapy for muscular dystrophies, other disorders
StitchR, a new gene therapy technique, delivers large genes in two parts to treat muscular dystrophies by restoring critical proteins in animal models.
Anti-anxiety and hallucination-like effects of psychedelics mediated by distinct neural circuits
New research suggests that it could be possible to separate treatment from hallucinations when developing new drugs based on psychedelics. The anti-anxiety andhallucination-inducing qualities of psychedelic drugs work through different neural circuits, according to research using a mouse model.
Optical biosensor rapidly detects mpox virus
Researchers have developed an optical biosensor that detects the virus that causes mpox. The technology could make diagnosis much faster and cost-effective as the disease continues to spread worldwide.
Scientists discover laser light can cast a shadow
Researchers have found that under certain conditions, a laser beam can act like an opaque object and cast a shadow, opening new possibilities for technologies that could use a laser beam to control another laser beam.
When sun protection begets malnutrition: Vitamin D deficiency in Japanese women
Researchers have developed a non-invasive, low-cost tool for assessing the risk of vitamin D deficiency in young women called ViDDPreS (Vitamin D Deficiency Predicting Scoring).
New study reveals half a century of change on Britain's iconic limestone pavements
Fifty years of change on iconic limestone pavements has revealed mixed fortunes for one of the most distinctive landscapes in the UK. The findings, which reveal large changes since the 1970s, are from the first national assessment in half a century of plants and vegetation in Britain's rare and iconic limestone pavements.
Time spent sedentary beyond six hours per day during growth from childhood through young adulthood may cause an excess increase of 4 mmHg in systolic blood pressure, a new study shows. Continuously engaging in light physical activity (LPA) significantly mitigated the rise in blood pressure.
Genetic variation enhances cancer drug sensitivity
By exploiting the genetic variation in cancer cells, an already approved cancer drug demonstrated enhanced effects against cancer cells in specific patient groups, according to a new study. The findings suggest a potential for more individually tailored and more effective cancer therapies.
Deep learning streamlines identification of 2D materials
Researchers look to deep learning techniques in order to streamline the time-consuming process of identifying 2D materials.
Revolutionizing biology education: Scientists film 'giant' mimivirus in action
The COVID-19 pandemic has taught us all the importance of educating the public about viral infections. Besides educating the general public, we need to equip the next generation of scientists by bringing viral education into the classroom. Now, researchers have filmed the 'giant' virus Mimivirus in the process of infecting a cell, creating a fascinating film that can help educators teach biology in a more engaging manner.
Robotic shorts support people when walking
Researchers have developed robotic trousers that enable people to walk more easily while expending measurably less energy. The aim is to keep frail individuals and in particular the elderly mobile and healthy for longer.
How long did it take our Sun to form in its stellar nursery? Scientists are now closer to an answer. They succeeded in the measurement of the bound-state beta decay of fully-ionized thallium ions at the Experimental Storage Ring (ESR) of GSI/FAIR. This measurement has profound effects on the production of radioactive lead in asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars and can be used to help determine the Sun's formation time.
Wave-predicting robots could cut green energy costs
Underwater robots that can predict waves in real-time could reduce the cost of producing offshore renewable energy, a study suggests.
Spectacular chimneys discovered in the Dead Sea
Researchers have discovered meter-high chimneys on the floor of the Dead Sea. These are formed by the spontaneous crystallization of minerals from groundwater with an extremely high salt content flowing up out of the lake floor, they report. The vents are an important early warning indicator for sinkholes. These subsidence craters form in the area surrounding the Dead Sea and pose a significant hazard to the population.
Recycling in middle age may be critical for brain health
New research highlights middle age as a pivotal period for brain health, with significant changes in how cells remove damaged mitochondria. Defects in this recycling process have been linked to neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease, but until recently it was very challenging to study this process in the aging mammalian brain.
Land-use policy rethink vital to hit net zero
Changing how land-use subsidies are implemented would give UK taxpayers better value for money and improve chances of meeting environmental targets such as Net Zero.
Scientists compile library for evaluating exoplanet water
By probing chemical processes observed in the Earth's hot mantle, scientists have started developing a library of basalt-based spectral signatures that not only will help reveal the composition of planets outside of our solar system but could demonstrate evidence of water on those exoplanets.
Scientists find a new way of entangling light and sound
For a wide variety of emerging quantum technologies, such as secure quantum communications and quantum computing, quantum entanglement is a prerequisite. Scientists have now demonstrated a particularly efficient way in which photons can be entangled with acoustic phonons. The researchers were able to demonstrate that this entanglement is resilient to external noise, the usual pitfall of any quantum technology to date.
Behavioral analysis in mice: More precise results despite fewer animals
Researchers are utilizing artificial intelligence to analyze the behavior of laboratory mice more efficiently and reduce the number of animals in experiments.
Frog populations once decimated by disease mount a major comeback
Thanks to the consistent and focused efforts of researchers and conservationists to save, then reintroduce, mountain yellow-legged frogs to lakes in Yosemite National Park, their populations are again thriving.
AI method can spot potential disease faster, better than humans, study finds
A 'deep learning' artificial intelligence model can identify pathology, or signs of disease, in images of animal and human tissue much faster, and often more accurately, than people. The development could dramatically speed up the pace of disease-related research. It also holds potential for improved medical diagnosis, such as detecting cancer from a biopsy image in a matter of minutes, a process that typically takes a human pathologist several hours.
Transforming anion exchange membranes in water electrolysis for green hydrogen production
Researchers have implemented polyphenylene-based anion exchange membranes poised to make hydrogen production more efficient and durable. The robust hydrophobic design enables effective ion transport while resisting chemical degradation.
Genetic legacy of Jomon hunter-gatherers linked to increased BMI in modern Japanese, study finds
New research exploring the roots of modern Japanese populations has linked the genetic signature of Jomon hunter-gatherers to a higher body mass index (BMI) among individuals, underlining that ancient human ancestors can leave a genetic legacy with impacts on health in modern day populations.
'Cool' white car headlights more likely to dazzle moths
'Cool' white lights -- such as those in modern car headlights -- endanger moths by causing them to fly erratically, new research shows.
Mathematical modelling leads to a better understanding of prostate cancer
Researchers have developed a three-dimensional mathematical model of prostate cancer. The model depicts various processes, including tumour growth, genetic evolution and tumour cell competition.
Researchers develop minimally invasive neural interface in revolutionary study
A team of researchers has developed a technique for diagnosing, managing and treating neurological disorders with minimal surgical risks.
'Game changer' in lithium extraction: Researchers develop novel electrochemical reactor
Researchers have developed an innovative electrochemical reactor to extract lithium from natural brine solutions, offering a promising approach to address the growing demand for lithium used in rechargeable batteries.
'Achilles heel' of drug-resistant pathogens
A new study has found highly vulnerable weakness in drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis, offering a new way to kill them.
Treatment advances, predictive biomarkers stand to improve bladder cancer care
Recent advances in bladder cancer treatments may offer hope of curative care to more patients, including those with high-risk localized, muscle-invasive disease, according to a new editorial.
Researchers reveal why a key tuberculosis drug works against resistant strains
A new study uncovers vulnerabilities in drug-resistant TB, offering hope for improved treatments.
Bluetooth technology unlocks urban animal secrets
Mobile phones could be the key to a cheaper and more reliable way of tracking animals for ecology and conservation research, according to a new study.
Linking data on genetics, traits and environment gives crop breeders a wider lens
The interplay between the genetic makeup of crops and the conditions in which they grow is difficult to untangle. A research team aims to help breeders analyze the interactions to make crops more resilient and productive.
Neuropathic pain drugs found to increase risk of hip fracture in older adults
A new study by medicine safety experts found the use of gabapentinoids -- medicines widely used to treat neuropathic pain -- increased the risk of hip fractures, especially in older patients who were frail or had kidney disease.
Researchers have developed a simple model system that can be used to break down fibrils -- the cause of numerous disorders including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease -- into their constituent single units or liquid droplets.
MRI-guided radiation therapy reduces long-term side effects for patients with prostate cancer
After a comprehensive two-year follow-up, researchers found that MRI-guided stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for prostate cancer significantly reduced long-term side effects and improved quality of life, particularly in bowel and sexual health, compared to conventional CT-guided treatment.
Climate change threatens key ocean plankton groups
Planktonic foraminifera are tiny marine organisms, which are essential to the ocean's carbon cycle. A recent study reveals that these populations are shrinking at an alarming rate due to ocean warming and acidification. Elevated CO2 levels and thus acidifying waters are making it harder for these single-cell organisms to form their shells, putting their survival at risk. Some foraminifera have begun migrating to cooler waters in an attempt to adapt, but environmental changes are occurring faster than they can keep up with.
12,000-year-old stones may be very early evidence of wheel-like technology
A collection of perforated pebbles from an archaeological site in Israel may be spindle whorls, representing a key milestone in the development of rotational tools including wheels, according to a new study.
Air pollution exposure may be associated with eczema
People living in areas with higher levels of air pollution are more likely to have eczema, according to a new study.
Only certain paranormal beliefs may be linked with more stress and distress
In a new study, feelings of distress and reduced ability to cope with stress were associated with traditional paranormal beliefs, but not with new age philosophy.
When it comes to corporate climate action, a single policy isn't enough
Climate-conscious investors should consider supporting companies with a wide range of climate policies, rather than companies that cherry-pick specific individual policies, according to a new study.