ScienceDaily: All - October 02, 2024
Today's top research news
Airborne plastic chemical levels shock researchers
A new study documents how Southern Californians are chronically being exposed to toxic airborne chemicals called plasticizers, including one that's been banned from children's items and beauty products.
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Research in 4 continents links outdoor air pollution to differences in children's brains
A research team systematically analyzed 40 empirical studies, the majority of which had found that outdoor air pollution is associated with differences in children's brains. These differences include volumes of white matter, which is associated with cognitive function, connections throughout the brain and even early markers for Alzheimer's.
Researchers integrate fast OCT system into neurosurgical microscope
Clinical study of microscope-integrated system lays groundwork for using OCT to define tumor margins and reveal subsurface brain anatomy.
Researchers discovered mechanism driving immune perturbations after severe infections
Researchers have discovered a mechanism that drives the long-term decline in immune response that is observed after tuberculosis (TB) has been successfully treated. Their findings suggest a potential new way to restore immune responsiveness and reduce mortality risk after severe infections.
Research provides new insights into role of mechanical forces in gene expression
The genome inside each of our cells is modelled by tension and torsion -- due in part to the activity of proteins that compact, loop, wrap and untwist DNA -- but scientists know little about how those forces affect the transcription of genes. Transcription of a gene begins when RNAP binds to a 'promoter' DNA sequence and ends at a 'terminator' sequence where the mRNA copy is released. The canonical view of termination holds that after releasing the mRNA, RNAP dissociates from the DNA. A team of researchers has demonstrated how force plays a role in an alternative to canonical termination.
Physicists explore possibility of life beyond Earth
Are there planets beyond Earth where humans can live? The answer is maybe, according to physicists examining F-type star systems.
Seeing double: Designing drugs that target 'twin' cancer proteins
Some proteins in the human body are easy to block with a drug; they have an obvious spot in their structure where a drug can fit, like a key in a lock. But other proteins are more difficult to target, with no clear drug-binding sites. To design a drug that blocks a cancer-related protein, scientists took a hint from the protein's paralog, or 'twin.' Using innovative chemical biology methods, the scientists pinpointed a druggable site on the paralog, and then used that knowledge to characterize drugs that bound to a similar -- but more difficult to detect -- spot on its twin. Ultimately, they found drugs that only bound to the protein of interest and not its highly similar sibling.
New security protocol shields data from attackers during cloud-based computation
Researchers developed a technique guaranteeing that data remain secure during multiparty, cloud-based computation. This method, which leverages the quantum properties of light, could enable organizations like hospitals or financial companies to use deep learning to securely analyze confidential patient or customer data.
New mouse models offer valuable window into COVID-19 infection
Scientists have developed six lines of humanized mice that can serve as valuable models for studying human cases of COVID-19.
Antibodies in breast milk provide protection against common GI virus
A study found that breast milk provides protection against rotavirus, a common gastrointestinal disease that causes diarrhea, vomiting and fever in infants. Babies whose mothers had high levels of specific antibodies in their breast milk were able to fend off the infection for a longer period than infants whose mothers had lower levels.
New images of RSV may expose stubborn virus's weak points
The complex shape of respiratory syncytial virus is one hurdle limiting the development of treatments for an infection that leads to hospitalization or worse for hundreds of thousands of people in the United States each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. New images of the virus may hold the key to preventing or slowing RSV infections. RSV is of greatest concern in young children, the elderly and adults.
'Who's a good boy?' Humans use dog-specific voices for better canine comprehension
Humans slow their own speech when talking to their dogs, and this slower tempo matches their pets' receptive abilities, allowing the dogs to better understand their commands, according to a new study.
A tool to enhance the taste and texture of sourdough and study the complexity of microbiomes
Researchers explore how acetic acid bacteria shapes emergent properties of sourdough, with implications across complex microbial systems.
Structure of a eukaryotic CRISPR-Cas homolog, Fanzor2, shows its promise for gene editing
Scientists have revealed how Fanzor2's divergence from bacterial ancestors may make it a useful tool for future genomic engineering endeavors.
It all adds up: Study finds forever chemicals are more toxic as mixtures
A new study has measured the toxicity of several types of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), better known as 'forever chemicals,' when mixed together in the environment and in the human body.
Climate scientists express their views on possible future climate scenarios in a new study
A new survey of climate experts reveals that a majority believes the Earth to be headed for a rise in global temperatures far higher than the 2015 Paris Agreement targets of 1.5 to well-below 2 degrees Celsius. It also shows that two-thirds of respondents believe we may succeed in achieving net zero CO2 emissions during the second half of this century. This indicates some optimism that mitigation efforts may be starting to bend the emissions curve toward what would be needed to achieve the Paris temperature goal.
Using antimatter to detect nuclear radiation
Discerning whether a nuclear reactor is being used to also create material for nuclear weapons is difficult, but capturing and analyzing antimatter particles has shown promise for monitoring what specific nuclear reactor operations are occurring, even from hundreds of miles away. Researchers have developed a detector that exploits Cherenkov radiation, sensing antineutrinos and characterizing their energy profiles from miles away as a way of monitoring activity at nuclear reactors. They proposed to assemble their device in northeast England and detect antineutrinos from reactors from all over the U.K. as well as in northern France.
Promising TB therapy appears safe for patients with HIV
A therapy showing promise to help control tuberculosis does not interfere with combined antiretroviral therapy (cART), according to new research.
ChatGPT shows human-level assessment of brain tumor MRI reports
Osaka Metropolitan University researchers compared the diagnostic performance of ChatGPT and radiologists in assessing 150 brain tumor MRI reports. Their findings might surprise you.
Inadequate compensation for lost or downgraded protected areas threatens global biodiversity
Conservation scientists have highlighted substantial gaps in the compensation for lost or downgraded protected areas. These gaps risk undermining global efforts for the protection of biodiversity and threaten the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework targets, which aim to conserve 30% of the planet by 2030.
Lab-grown spines unlock safer treatment for women with epilepsy, study suggests
Researchers have made a significant step towards enabling women with epilepsy safer access to a common and highly effective anti-seizure medication. Sodium Valproate or valproic acid is widely prescribed for epilepsy and certain mental health conditions, but is considered harmful to use during pregnancy because of links to spinal cord defects and other complications for newborns. A team of organoid experts have identified a drug that may nullify the dangerous side effects.
Researchers observe hidden deformations in complex light fields
Everyday experience tells us that light reflected from a perfectly flat mirror will give us the correct image without any deformation. Interestingly, this is not the case when the light field itself is structured in a complex way. Tiny deformations appear. These have now been observed in the laboratory. The results confirm the prediction of this fundamental optical effect made more than a decade ago. They also show how it can be used, for example, as a method for determining material properties.
Cool roofs could have saved lives during London's hottest summer, say researchers
As many as 249 lives could have been saved in London during the 2018 record-setting hot summer had the city widely adopted cool roofs, estimates a new study.
Research heralds new era for genetics
Research is heralding in a new era for genetic sequencing and testing.
Siloxane nanoparticles unlock precise organ targeting for mRNA therapy
Engineers have discovered a simple and inexpensive means of directing lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), the revolutionary molecules that delivered the COVID-19 vaccines, to target specific tissues, presaging a new era in personalized medicine and gene therapy. The key is making small changes to the chemical structure of LNPs, including the incorporation of siloxane, a chemical group that includes silicon, whose wider atomic radius increases membrane flexibility and improves mRNA uptake by target cells.
NMR-guided optimization of lipid nanoparticles for enhanced siRNA delivery
siRNA therapies show promise for treating diseases like cancer and genetic disorders, but their effectiveness depends on proper delivery. A recent study found that the method of mixing siRNA with lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) is key to success.
High costs slow widespread use of heat pumps, study shows
The high cost of installing heat pumps for home heating could slow down people widely adopting the technology and leave government targets missed, research suggests.
Researchers have identified two divergent adaptive responses to soil salinity in populations of the same wild species found in the Catalonia's coastal area, the Brassica fruticulosa, and have pinpointed the genes involved. The study will help to investigate the ways to improve resilience in agricultural species of the same plant family, such as rapeseed and mustard, in the face of a globally relevant stressor as is soil salinization.
Stronger together: miniature robots in convoy for endoscopic surgery
Miniature robots on the millimeter scale often lack the strength to transport instruments for endoscopic microsurgery through the body. Scientists are now combining several millimeter-sized TrainBots into one unit and equipping them with improved 'feet'. For the first time, the team was able to perform an electric surgical procedure on a bile duct obstruction experimentally with a robotic convoy.
Culprit that turns classical Klebsiella pneumoniae into a devastating, drug-resistant killer
New research has identified the genetic elements responsible for turning classical Klebsiella pneumoniae, which generally infects only sick and/or immunocompromised people in the health care setting, into hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae, which can also infect otherwise healthy people in the community.
Scientists discover planet orbiting closest single star to our Sun
Astronomers have discovered an exoplanet orbiting Barnard's star, the closest single star to our Sun. On this newly discovered exoplanet, which has at least half the mass of Venus, a year lasts just over three Earth days. The team's observations also hint at the existence of three more exoplanet candidates, in various orbits around the star.
Pervasiveness of inflammation-inducing foods in American diet
Almost six in 10 Americans have pro-inflammatory diets, increasing the risk of health problems including heart disease and cancer, according to a new study that used a tool designed to examine inflammation in the diet. The study also found that certain populations -- including Black Americans, men and people with lower incomes -- were more likely to eat a diet high in pro-inflammatory foods.
Feet first: AI reveals how infants connect with their world
Researchers explored how infants act purposefully by attaching a colorful mobile to their foot and tracking movements with a Vicon 3D motion capture system. The study tested AI's ability to detect changes in infant movement patterns. Findings showed that AI techniques, especially the deep learning model 2D-CapsNet, effectively classified different stages of behavior. Notably, foot movements varied significantly. Looking at how AI classification accuracy changes for each baby gives researchers a new way to understand when and how they start to engage with the world.
Adapted -- study shows that wild animals also get accustomed to humans
Wild animals are less susceptible to human disturbance if they live in areas with a high human footprint. Researchers have highlighted this in their analysis of large-scale tracking data of more than 1,500 wild animals for an international research project. Individuals that are fitted with measuring devices such as GPS collars recover more quickly from the tagging event if they encounter humans or human tracks more frequently in their habitat. They seem to already be adapted to such disturbances
Squid-inspired fabric for temperature-controlled clothing
Inspired by the dynamic color-changing properties of squid skin, researchers have developed a method to manufacture a heat-adjusting material that is breathable and washable and can be integrated into flexible fabric. The composite material operates in the infrared spectrum and consists of a polymer covered with copper islands. Stretching the material separates the islands and changes how it transmits and reflects infrared light; this innovation creates the possibility of controlling the temperature of a garment.
Carbon dioxide and hydrogen peroxide on Pluto's moon Charon
Astronomers have detected carbon dioxide and hydrogen peroxide on the frozen surface of Pluto's largest moon, Charon, using observations from the James Webb Space Telescope. These discoveries add to Charon's known chemical inventory, previously identified by ground- and space-based observations, that includes water ice, ammonia-bearing species and the organic materials responsible for Charon's gray and red coloration.
More clarity on hereditary colorectal cancer
The genetic confirmation of a suspected diagnosis of 'hereditary colorectal cancer' is of great importance for the medical care of affected families. However, many of the variants identified in the known genes cannot yet be reliably classified in terms of their causal role in tumor formation. Scientists have reassessed the medical relevance of a significant number of unclear variants and thus significantly reduced their number.
Traveling population wave in Canada lynx
A new study provides compelling evidence that Canada lynx populations in Interior Alaska experience a 'traveling population wave' affecting their reproduction, movement and survival. This discovery could help wildlife managers make better-informed decisions when managing one of the boreal forest's keystone predators.
Where flood policy helps most -- and where it could do more
A Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) program provides important flood insurance relief, researchers say. But due to its design, it's used more in communities with greater means to protect themselves, while lower-resourced areas benefit less.
Syrian hamsters reveal genetic secret to hibernation
A gene that limits cellular damage could be the key to surviving prolonged cold exposure.
One in three Americans has a dysfunctional metabolism, but intermittent fasting could help
Metabolic syndrome increases many Americans' risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. A new clinical trial finds that 3 months of time-restricted eating improved patients' blood sugar regulation and metabolic function, which could help ward off serious and chronic diseases.
Radon, even at levels below EPA guideline for mitigation, is linked to childhood leukemia
A study of more than 700 counties across multiple U.S. states found a link between childhood leukemia and levels of decaying radon gas, including those lower than the federal guideline for mitigation.
Environmental scientists are learning more about microplastics and how they move.
Coral reef destruction a threat to human rights
A human rights-based approach to coral reef protection could ensure governments are held to account for safeguarding marine ecosystems.
Tongan volcanic eruption triggered by explosion as big as 'five underground nuclear bombs'
The Hunga Tonga underwater volcano was one of the largest volcanic eruptions in history, and now, two years later, new research has revealed its main trigger.
Getting to zero emissions: A call for unified energy planning
To help speed decarbonization, state regulators should reconceive of gas and electric utilities as serving the same purpose, according to a new report. Without coordinated action, the energy transition could become slower, more expensive, and more inequitable, the authors warn.
Study suggests simple steps may improve team ethics
Instead of ending a group meeting asking if anyone has any questions, a professor suggests asking participants if they can think of anything that can go wrong with the plan discussed.
New tool can assess elderly dogs' frailty
Researchers have developed a tool that can aid owners and veterinarians in assessing an elderly dog's frailty. The tool -- when coupled with simple assessments of body and muscle condition by the veterinarian -- can predict likelihood of short-term (within six months) mortality and provide important data to owners faced with treatment and quality-of-life decisions for their aging dogs.
Scientists uncover light absorbing properties of achiral materials
Researchers have made a discovery that changes what we know about light and materials. They found that engineered achiral (symmetric) materials, called achiral plasmonic metasurfaces, can absorb light differently depending on the handedness of the wavefront of light. This was surprising because, for years, such materials were found to be indifferent to any optical probes and does not show such selective absorption.
Alzheimer's genetic risk factors spark inflammation in females
Investigators have found that two genetic variants that confer high risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD) together trigger a harmful inflammatory response in the brain's immune cells, particularly in females, in a preclinical model.