ScienceDaily: All - November 16, 2024
Today's top research news
One or many? Exploring the population groups of the largest animal on Earth
Hunted nearly to extinction during 20th century whaling, the Antarctic blue whale, the world's largest animal, went from a population size of roughly 200,000 to little more than 300. The most recent estimate in 2004 put Antarctic blue whales at less than 1% of their pre-whaling levels. A new study shows that, though these whales feed in different ocean basins, they appear to be a single population, information that will help conservation efforts moving forward.
Image: Andrew Sutton/Shutterstock.com
New study shows how salmonella tricks gut defenses to cause infection
A study uncovered how Salmonella, a major cause of food poisoning, can invade the gut despite the presence of protective bacteria.
Scientists develop novel plug-and-play test to evaluate T cell immunotherapy effectiveness
A novel test enables real-time monitoring of T cells that have been engineered to fight cancer, after re-introduction into the body of a cancer patient. This simple and innovative test provides clinicians with the ability to track the function of these cancer-fighting cells over the course of the treatment.
Generation of rat offspring from ovarian oocytes by cross-species transplantation
Attempts to obtain eggs and offspring using oocytes in ovary have been made for keeping desirable traits in livestock, preserving human fertility, etc. Ovarian transplantation, one of those methods, has been established and widely used. Although transplantation to different species is expected to bring benefits, it is still too difficult to produce offspring. Researchers have developed a novel system using xenotransplantation (transplantation of organs from one species to different one), and succeeded in producing offspring.
Biologists reveal the genetic 'switch' behind parrot color diversity
From the Carnival in Rio de Janeiro to the shoulders of pirates: parrots are synonymous with color for people across the world. In a new study, scientists uncover a 'switch' in the DNA of parrots that controls their wide gamut of colors.
Meta-analysis links high-risk Epstein-Barr virus lineage to nasopharyngeal cancer in southern China
Researchers have discovered a significant association between specific Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) variants and nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). NPC is a cancer notably prevalent in southern China, where it is 20 times more common than in non-endemic regions of the world.
Selenium carrier proteins: New starting point for cancer research
A recent study unveiled a key enzyme involved in producing selenoproteins, opening new strategies for treating certain types of cancer in children.
Mountain lions coexist with outdoor recreationists by taking the night shift
Mountain lions in greater Los Angeles are proactively shifting their activity to avoid interacting with cyclists, hikers, joggers and other recreationists, finds a new study.
Scientists have created a new 'biocooperative' material based on blood, which has shown to successfully repair bones, paving the way for personalised regenerative blood products that could be used as effective therapies to treat injury and disease.
Novel magnetic field integration enhances green hydrogen peroxide production
A sprinkling of magnetic nanoparticles is just enough to power up catalysts, so they can make hydrogen peroxide production more efficient.
Biodiversity in the city: Designing urban spaces for humans and animals
Animals and plants also live and thrive on public squares. This creates opportunities for greater biodiversity and well-being for the human population. Researchers have studied at 103 locations in Munich how various factors affect flora and fauna. They advocate a close examination of local conditions and a more nature-focused approach to the design of public spaces.
New route to 'quantum spin liquid' materials discovered
Scientists have produced a new route to materials with complex 'disordered' magnetic properties at the quantum level. The material, based on a framework of ruthenium, fulfils the requirements of the 'Kitaev quantum spin liquid state' -- an elusive phenomenon that scientists have been trying to understand for decades.
Zinc deficiency promotes Acinetobacter lung infection, study finds
Researchers discovered an unexpected link between zinc deficiency, the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-13 (IL-13), and Acinetobacter baumannii lung infection and demonstrated that blocking IL-13 prevented infection-associated death in an animal model. The findings suggest that anti-IL-13 antibodies, which are FDA-approved for use in humans, may protect against bacterial pneumonia in patients with zinc deficiency.
Children exposed to antiseizure meds during pregnancy face neurodevelopmental risks, study finds
Children born to mothers who take antiseizure medications to manage seizures and psychiatric conditions during pregnancy may face increased risks of neurodevelopmental conditions, according to new research.
Rainforest protection reduces the number of respiratory diseases
Rainforest protection is not only good for biodiversity and the climate -- it also noticeably improves the health of humans who live in the corresponding regions. Researchers show that measures to combat slash-and-burn techniques significantly reduce the concentration of particulate matter in the air. The number of hospital stays and deaths due to respiratory diseases thus also decreases.
Material developed with novel stretching properties
Metamaterials are artificial materials that do not occur in nature. Their components function like atoms in conventional materials but have special optical, electrical and magnetic properties. Interaction between the components is crucial to a metamaterial's functionality. Previously a component could usually interact only with its immediate neighbors. Researchers have now developed a mechanical metamaterial with which these interactions can also be triggered at greater distances within the material. Potential uses of the material include measuring forces and structural monitoring.
Recycling batteries with citric acid
A simple, highly efficient, inexpensive, and environmentally friendly process could provide a viable pathway for the sustainable recycling of depleted lithium-ion batteries (LIBs): No chemicals beyond citric acid need to be added to leach out and separate over 99 % of the lithium, nickel, cobalt, and manganese metals contained in NCM batteries. The resulting recycled material can be directly converted into NCM electrodes, reports a research team.
Sitting too long can harm heart health, even for active people
More time spent sitting, reclining or lying down during the day may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and death, according to a new study. More than roughly 10-and-a-half hours of sedentary behavior per day was significantly linked with future heart failure (HF) and cardiovascular (CV) death, even among people meeting recommended levels of exercise.
Egyptians drank hallucinogenic cocktails in ancient rituals, study confirms
Scholars for the first time identified chemical signatures of the components of a liquid concoction contained in a Bes mug. A new technique helped identify a sample flavored with honey, sesame seeds, pine nuts, licorice and grapes -- commonly used to make the beverage look like blood.
How next-day responsibilities influence cannabis use
A study found that people are less likely to consume cannabis if they had an upcoming activity, which is consistent with other studies, and would reduce use the most for job interviews and caring for children. However, people who rated the suitability of using cannabis in each situation more highly also were more likely to consider using the drug.
Stress makes mice's memories less specific
Stress is a double-edged sword when it comes to memory: stressful or otherwise emotional events are usually more memorable, but stress can also make it harder for us to retrieve memories. Now, neuroscientists report that acute stress prevents mice from forming specific memories. Instead, the stressed mice formed generalized memories, which are encoded by larger numbers of neurons.
Resilience index needed to keep us within planet's 'safe operating space'
Researchers are calling for a 'resilience index' to be used as an indicator of policy success instead of the current focus on GDP. They say that GDP ignores the wider implications of development and provides no information on our ability to live within our planet's 'safe operating space'.
How stress is fundamentally changing our memories
In a new study, researchers identify the biological processes behind stress-induced aversive memory generalization and highlight an intervention which could help restore appropriate memory specificity for people with PTSD.
Time in nature benefits children with mental health difficulties
Researchers found that spending two hours a week of class time in a natural environment can reduce emotional distress among 10- to 12-year-olds who had the most significant mental health problems before the program began.
Slow editing of protein blueprints leads to cell death
An international research team has uncovered a new mechanism crucial to the production of cellular proteins. When this mechanism is disrupted, the blueprints used by the cell to produce proteins are inaccurately edited through a process called splicing. The study sheds light on how specific mutations may lead to the retinal disease retinitis pigmentosa. Importantly, these findings could also open the door to new diagnostic tests and treatments for a range of other diseases, including certain cancers, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's.
An international team of researchers has uncovered evidence of partial resistance to artemisinin derivatives -- the primary treatment for malaria -- in young children with severe malaria.
New drug targets for Alzheimer's identified from cerebrospinal fluid
Researchers have linked disease-related proteins and genes to identify specific cellular pathways responsible for Alzheimer's genesis and progression. The proteins were gathered from cerebrospinal fluid and are a good proxy for activity in the brain. Several of them may be potential targets for therapies.
Neuro-oncology experts reveal how to use AI to improve brain cancer diagnosis, monitoring, treatment
An international team of leading neuro-oncology researchers and clinicians has released new recommendations for good clinical practice regarding the use of artificial intelligence methods to more accurately diagnose, monitor and treat brain cancer.
New research found that the use of standardized autism screening during pediatric well-child visits identifies more children with high autism likelihood at a younger age, including those presenting with more subtle symptoms.
Study finds humidity diminishes daytime cooling gains in urban green spaces
During the day, green spaces are cooler than the surrounding built-up areas, but this effect is often counterbalanced by increased humidity.
Diabetes medication may be effective in helping people drink less alcohol
New research has found that certain types of medication used to treat diabetes may be effective in reducing alcohol use. The study looked at whether a type of diabetes medication, called GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), could also be used to help people cut down on drinking.
Evidence has been growing to suggest that tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive ingredient in cannabis, poses risks to the developing fetus by impacting brain development. Now a new preclinical research study finds that this could increase the risk of addiction to opioids later in life.
Scientific thought on emotions in animals
How do animal behavior researchers feel about the feelings of animals? A new survey helps to answer that question.
Cash is King: The surprising truth about spending habits in a cashless world
Physical cash not only influences how much we spend but also fosters a profound sense of psychological ownership that digital payments cannot replicate, according to new research.
Deciphering the anomalous properties of water
Water, a molecule essential for life, has unusual properties -- known as anomalies -- that define its behavior. However, there are still many enigmas about the molecular mechanisms that would explain the anomalies that make the water molecule unique. Deciphering and reproducing this particular behavior of water in different temperature ranges is still a major challenge for the scientific community. Now, a study presents a new theoretical model capable of overcoming the limitations of previous methodologies to understand how water behaves in extreme conditions.
Diverse and diverging demands on forests in Germany
Forests provide biodiversity, ecosystem functions, income and much more. How can these diverse and seemingly diverging demands be met? An international research team addressed this question by analyzing the effects of enriching beech forests in Germany with commercially valuable native (to mountainous regions of Europe) and non-native conifer species, in this case, the Norway spruce and Douglas fir, respectively.
Colorado River basins could face tipping point, drought study warns
Water from Colorado's West Slope basins plays a vital role in supporting the economy and natural environment across seven western U.S. states, but a new study finds that even under modest climate projections, the basins face a potential tipping point where traditional water delivery levels to Lake Powell and other critical areas may no longer be sustainable.
New insights into how we navigate space and store memories
Researchers have revealed how two neural circuits located in the brain's retrosplenial cortex are directly linked to spatial navigation and memory storage. This discovery could lead to more precise medical treatments for Alzheimer's disease and other cognitive disorders by allowing them to target pathway-specific neural circuits.
Novel electro-biodiesel a more efficient, cleaner alternative to existing alternatives
Scientists create biodiesel with electrocatalysis and bioconversion.
AI headphones create a 'sound bubble,' quieting all sounds more than a few feet away
Researchers have created a headphone prototype that allows listeners to hear people speaking within a bubble with a programmable radius of 3 to 6 feet. Voices and sounds outside the bubble are quieted an average of 49 decibels, even if they're louder than those in the bubble.
Scientists use math to predict crystal structure in hours instead of months
Researchers have devised a mathematical approach to predict the structures of crystals -- a critical step in developing many medicines and electronic devices -- in a matter of hours using only a laptop, a process that previously took a supercomputer weeks or months.
Post-traumatic stress disorder comes in many forms and affects each person differently. Some patients benefit more from residential, in-treatment programs, while others are more suited for outpatient care. Others may thrive best in a system that mixes elements of both. A team of researchers found intensive outpatient programs, in which a patient consults with a health professional daily while staying at home in their community, are as effective as inpatient treatment, where patients can be isolated for weeks at a time.
A new article examines how social isolation, loneliness and frailty affect one another and the bidirectional relationship they exert as an individual gets older. hey found that physical frailty can be an indicator of future social isolation over time and that loneliness may be both an antecedent and an outcome of frailty. All three can also be self-reinforcing over time: people who are lonely and socially isolated may become frailer, and as they become frailer, their sense of isolation and loneliness grows. This becomes more pronounced as they grow older.
Frequent emergency care during pregnancy could signal greater risk for severe maternal morbidity
A new study found that, among nearly 775,000 pregnant people in Massachusetts, 31 percent of these individuals had at least one unscheduled emergency visit to the hospital, and 3.3 percent had four or more unscheduled hospital visits. The latter group was nearly 50 percent more likely to experience severe maternal morbidity (SMM), which encompasses a range of complications during labor or childbirth that can lead to poor maternal outcomes such as aneurysms, eclampsia, kidney and heart failure, and sepsis.
New study sheds light on language development in children with hearing loss
Researchers find a link between early vocabulary composition and later language development in children with cochlear implants.