ScienceDaily: All - October 18, 2024
Today's top research news
Increased autism risk linked to Y chromosome, study finds
Increased risk for autism appears to be linked to the Y chromosome, a study has found, offering a new explanation for the greater prevalence of autism in males.
Image: angela_cora/Shutterstock.com
Why do we love carbs? The origins predate agriculture and maybe even our split from Neanderthals
A new study reveals how the duplication of the salivary amylase gene may not only have helped shape human adaptation to starchy foods, but may have occurred as far back as more than 800,000 years ago, long before the advent of farming.
Astronomers detect ancient lonely quasars with murky origins
Astronomers observed ancient quasars that appear to be surprisingly alone in the early universe. The findings challenge physicists' understanding of how such luminous objects could have formed so early on in the universe, without a significant source of surrounding matter to fuel their growth.
The Autism Transitions Research Project has released new findings that underscore critical challenges and opportunities in transitioning autistic youth into adulthood.
Model reveals why debunking election misinformation often doesn't work
A new computational model analyzes the factors that help determine whether debunking efforts will persuade people to change their beliefs about the legitimacy of an election.
Microplastics detected in dolphin breath
U.S. researchers have detected microplastic particles in air exhaled by wild bottlenose dolphins, suggesting that inhalation may be a relevant route of exposure to these potentially harmful contaminants.
Overcoming fundamental limitations of conventional infectious disease modeling
A recent breakthrough study has introduced a novel methodology that significantly enhances the accuracy of epidemiological estimates for infectious diseases like COVID-19.
Controlling prosthetic hands more precisely by the power of thought
Researchers have developed a novel training protocol for brain-computer interfaces in a study with rhesus monkeys. The method enables precise control of prosthetic hands using signals from the brain alone. Researchers were able to show that the neural signals that control the different hand postures in the brain are primarily important for this control, and not, as previously assumed, signals that control the movement's velocity. The results are essential for improving the fine control of neural hand prostheses, which could give paralyzed patients back some or all of their mobility (Neuron).
Initial prescriptions of sedatives among older stroke survivors may include too many pills
Initial prescriptions of benzodiazepines, a class of drugs used to treat anxiety and sleep problems after a stroke may include too many pills for adults ages 65 or older, finds new study.
Scientists unlock new insights into neural stem cell activation
Neuroscientists have uncovered a mechanism that controls the reactivation of neural stem cells, which are crucial for repairing and regenerating brain cells. The research offers exciting potential for advancing our understanding and treatment of common neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.
New method for measuring luminescence lifetime offers breakthrough in scientific imaging
Researchers introduce an innovative approach to image luminescence lifetimes. This simple approach uses readily-available cost-effective equipment, paving the way for advanced studies of chemical dynamics in environmental and biological systems. For example, it allows to record oxygen dynamics with much higher temporal and spatial precision.
A mushroom for colorectal cancer therapy
Novel chemical compounds from a fungus could provide new perspectives for treating colorectal cancer, one of the most common and deadliest cancers worldwide. Researchers have reported on the isolation and characterization of a previously unknown class of metabolites (terpene-nonadride heterodimers). One of these compounds effectively kills colorectal cancer cells by attacking the enzyme DCTPP1, which thus may serve as a potential biomarker for colorectal cancer and a therapeutic target.
New mRNA vaccine created to prevent and treat C. difficile
A new vaccine provides hope for treating and even preventing the highly contagious and difficult-to-treat Clostridioides difficile infection, more commonly known as C. difficile or C. diff. In animal models, this first mRNA-LNP C. difficile vaccine was found to protect against C. difficile first-time infections and relapsing infections by inducing a robust immune response, promote clearance of existing C. diff bacteria from the gut, and even overcome deficits in host immunity to protect animals after infection, according to researchers. The results will pave the way for clinical trials of the vaccine.
Forever chemicals found in bottled and tap water from around the world
Scientists have discovered toxic 'Forever Chemicals' present in samples of drinking water from around the world.
Microbiome: Drug discovery within the patient
Microorganisms do not just colonize the body of mammals during infections. Billions of microbes can be found on and in healthy humans and animals at any given time, communicating with each other via chemical signals and thus influencing their health. In two studies, researchers have now conducted a detailed study of the microbiome, i.e. the totality of all microorganisms, in humans and zoo animals. The aim was to identify starting points for strategies for the treatment and diagnosis of diseases.
Scientists discover fastest degrading bioplastic in seawater
Scientists found that cellulose diacetate foam (CDA) is the fastest degrading bioplastic in an ocean environment. This new foam material is demonstrated to be a viable replacement for Styrofoam products and single-use plastics, like food packaging trays, as it achieves all the benefits of plastic but doesn't contribute to plastic pollution. This biodegradable bioplastic foam was evaluated in a flow-through seawater tank. After 36 weeks, the CDA foam lost 65-70% of its mass, and the degradation rate of the CDA foam was 15 times faster than solid CDA.
AI helps to detect antibiotic resistance
In a pilot study, researchers have used artificial intelligence to detect antibiotic resistance in bacteria. This is an important first step toward integrating GPT-4 into clinical diagnostics.
Quantum research breakthrough uses synthetic dimensions to efficiently process quantum information
A new study opens the door to cutting-edge solutions that could contribute to the realization of a system capable of processing quantum information in a simple yet powerful way. The work presents a method for manipulating the photonic states of light in a never-before-seen way, offering greater control over the evolution of photon propagation. This control makes it possible to improve the detection and number of photon coincidences, as well as the efficiency of the system.
Visible light energy yields two-for-one deal when added to CO2 recycling process
By combining visible light and electrochemistry, researchers have enhanced the conversion of carbon dioxide into valuable products and stumbled upon a surprising discovery. The team found that visible light significantly improved an important chemical attribute called selectivity, opening new avenues not only for CO2 conversion but also for many other chemical reactions used in catalysis research and chemical manufacturing.
Identifying the genes that viruses 'steal' from ocean microbes
A new study gets scientists closer to more fully understanding where viruses fit into the global ocean picture of cycling nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus and, of particular interest, carbon. Researchers report on their creation of a catalog of genes that viruses 'stole' from the marine microbes they infected across all of the world's oceans, identifying and organizing almost 23,000 genes known as auxiliary metabolic genes (AMGs), including over 7,000 never previously documented.
The expansion of turbid drops in water
It is usually not possible to look inside cloudy liquids, but researchers have now managed to do so.
Harnessing vibrations: Engineered material generates electricity from unexpected source
Imagine tires that charge a vehicle as it drives, streetlights powered by the rumble of traffic, or skyscrapers that generate electricity as the buildings naturally sway and shudder. These energy innovations could be possible thanks to researchers developing environmentally friendly materials that produce electricity when compressed or exposed to vibrations.
Plankton balloon to six times their size in newly discovered mode of oceanic travel
Many plankton journey from the cold, dark depths of our oceans to the surface, only to eventually drift down again into the darkness in a perpetual rhythm. Yet, how single-celled phytoplankton, most of which have no appendages to help them swim, make this pilgrimage has remained a mystery. Researchers now describe a species of bioluminescent phytoplankton, called Pyrocystis noctiluca, that balloons to six times their original size of a few hundred microns. This massive inflation allows the plankton to journey up to 200 meters toward the ocean's surface to capture sunlight, then sink back showcasing a unique strategy for long-distance ocean travel.
Biomarker may predict immunotherapy response in liver cancer
It may soon be possible to determine which patients with a type of liver cancer called hepatocellular carcinoma would benefit from immunotherapy, according to a preclinical study.