ScienceDaily: All - October 13, 2023
Today's top research news
Caution: Content warnings do not reduce stress, study shows
Trigger warnings are designed to help people avoid or emotionally prepare for encountering disturbing content. But those warnings heighten distress rather than alleviate it, a new research analysis shows.
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New catalyst could provide liquid hydrogen fuel of the future
Researchers are investigating a car fuel comprised of a liquid that is converted to hydrogen by a solid catalyst. The used liquid is then emptied from the tank and charged with hydrogen, after which it can be used again in a circular system that is free from greenhouse gas emissions.
Fresh light shed on mystery of infant consciousness
There is evidence that some form of conscious experience is present by birth, and perhaps even in late pregnancy, an international team of researchers has found.
No universal body image experience in pregnancy
A new study analysing almost 9,400 responses has discovered large variations in how pregnancy can affect women's perceptions of their body. The research is believed to be the first meta-analysis comparing pregnant women and the general female population. Negative body image during pregnancy is known to have serious adverse effects for both mother and baby.
Over 40 percent of Antarctica's ice shelves reduced in volume over 25 years
71 of the 162 ice shelves that surround Antarctica have reduced in volume over 25 years from 1997 to 2021, with a net release of 7.5 trillion tons of meltwater into the oceans, say scientists. They found that almost all the ice shelves on the western side of Antarctica experienced ice loss. In contrast, most of the ice shelves on the eastern side stayed the same or increased in volume. Over the 25 years, the scientists calculated almost 67 trillion tonnes of ice was exported to the ocean, which was offset by 59 trillion tons of ice being added to the ice shelves, giving a net loss of 7.5 trillion tons.
A team of researchers has created the first 'multiome' atlas of brain cell development in the human cerebral cortex across six broad developmental time points from fetal development into adulthood, shedding new light on their roles during brain development and disease.
An electrical switch to control chemical reactions
New pharmaceuticals, cleaner fuels, biodegradable plastics: in order to meet society's needs, chemists have to develop new synthesis methods to obtain new products that do not exist in their natural state. A research group has discovered how to use an external electric field to control and accelerate a chemical reaction, like a 'switch'. This work could have a considerable impact on the development of new molecules, enabling not only more environmentally friendly synthesis, but also very simple external control of a chemical reaction.
Gray whales experience major population swings as a result of Arctic conditions
Dynamic and changing Arctic Ocean conditions have likely caused three major mortality events in the eastern North Pacific gray whale population since the 1980s.
Cell atlases of the human brain
Researchers have created the most comprehensive atlases of human brain cells to date. The studies provide clues on different brain diseases and give hope for medical advancements in the future, such as new cancer drugs.
Coffee and cocoa plants at risk from pollinator loss
Tropical crops such as coffee, cocoa, watermelon and mango may be at risk due to the loss of insect pollinators, finds a new study.
Scientists unveil detailed cell maps of the human brain and the nonhuman primate brain
A group of international scientists have mapped the genetic, cellular, and structural makeup of the human brain and the nonhuman primate brain. This understanding of brain structure allows for a deeper knowledge of the cellular basis of brain function and dysfunction, helping pave the way for a new generation of precision therapeutics for people with mental disorders and other disorders of the brain.
Engineered bacteria paint targets on tumors for cancer-killing T cells to see
Synthetic biologists report on a new approach to attacking tumors. They have engineered tumor-colonizing bacteria (probiotics) to produce synthetic targets in tumors that direct CAR-T cells to destroy the newly highlighted cancer cells.
Honey bees may inherit altruistic behavior from their mothers
True altruism is rare behavior in animals, but a new study has found that honey bees display this trait. Additionally, they found that an evolutionary battle of genetics may determine the parent they inherit it from.
Plastic production via advanced recycling lowers GHG emissions
Research reveals that recycling post-use plastic through pyrolysis can reduce GHG emissions by 18-23%. Approach can potentially enhance sustainability by minimizing waste and fossil resource reliance.
Simulations of 'backwards time travel' can improve scientific experiments
Physicists have shown that simulating models of hypothetical time travel can solve experimental problems that appear impossible to solve using standard physics.
Flagship individual animals can boost conservation
'Flagship' individual animals like Cecil the lion or Freya the walrus can boost conservation, new research suggests.
Large swings in past ocean oxygen revealed
As the climate warms, there is major concern that Earth's ocean will lose oxygen. A study has revealed that locked in ancient deep-sea sediments is evidence for oxygen loss in the world's ocean during past glacial periods, indicating that widespread oxygen loss with current climate change may not be permanent.
Brain tumor treatment by targeting TUG1, a gene that controls replication stress
A new study has revealed a crucial link between the TUG1 gene and the ability of cancer cells to proliferate under high-stress conditions. Targeting this gene with a new therapy suppressed tumor growth and found increased chances of survival. These findings suggest a novel way to fight aggressive brain tumors.
The fuel economy of a microswimmer
The amount of power a microswimmer needs to move can now be determined more easily. Scientists developed a general theorem to calculate the minimal energy required for propulsion. These insights allow a profound understanding for practical applications, such as targeted transport of molecules and substrates.
