ScienceDaily: All - October 29, 2024
Today's top research news
What animal societies can teach us about aging
Red deer may become less sociable as they grow old to reduce the risk of picking up diseases, while older house sparrows seem to have fewer social interactions as their peers die off, according to new research which shows humans are not the only animals to change our social behavior as we age.
Image: Manjusha Prasad/Shutterstock.com
Scientists develop tool to predict sepsis in apparently healthy newborns
A genetic signature in newborns can predict neonatal sepsis before symptoms even start to show, according to a new study. The study, led by University of British Columbia and Simon Fraser University researchers in collaboration with the Medical Research Council (MRC) Unit The Gambia, has the potential to help healthcare workers diagnose babies earlier, including in lower- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where neonatal sepsis is of particular concern.
Researchers are showcasing how a focused outreach initiative in Palm Beach County has led to a successful increase in reports of invasive reptiles in Florida.
Researchers have studied how well doctors used GPT-4 -- an artificial intelligence (AI) large language model system -- for diagnosing patients.
Significant extension of zinc battery lifespan
The transition to renewable energy requires efficient methods for storing large amounts of electricity. Researchers have developed a new method that could extend the lifespan of aqueous zinc-ion batteries by several orders of magnitude. Instead of lasting just a few thousand cycles, they could now endure several hundred thousand charge and discharge cycles.
New solvent-free 3D printing material could enable biodegradable implants
Researchers have invented a new solvent-free polymer for digital light printing (DLP), a type of 3D printing that essentially pulls solid objects out of a shallow pool of resin one layer at a time. Besides eliminating a well-known issue of finished objects shrinking after printing, the lack of solvent also results in improved mechanical properties of the part while maintaining the ability to degrade in the body.
When is a heat wave just a heat wave, and when is it climate change?
A new study used the 2023 heat wave in Texas and Louisiana as a test case for establishing processes that tease out whether particular weather events are climate change related.
RSV vaccines effective, but more people need to get them
Doctors detail what we learned after the first season following the approval of RSV vaccines. The vaccine effectively prevented severe illness in older, but only 24 percent of eligible US adults received the vaccine, compared to 50 percent for flu shots. Better public awareness and improved vaccine access are needed to increase uptake.
Potential of MXenes for nanotech applications
Materials scientists are exploring the physical properties of MXenes, a fast-growing family of two-dimensional materials with potential for many nanotechnology applications.
Scientists can reverse brain aging in fruit flies by preventing buildup of a common protein
Buildup of a protein called filamentous actin, or F-actin, in the brain inhibits the removal of cellular wastes, including DNA, lipids, proteins and organelles. The resulting accumulation of waste diminishes neuronal functions and contributes to cognitive decline. By tweaking a few very specific genes in the neurons of aging fruit flies, the researchers prevented F-actin buildup, maintained cellular recycling and extended the healthy lifespan of fruit flies by approximately 30%.
Companies and investors can now get smarter when it comes to nature
Amid growing pressure to report on nature-related risks and impacts, an open-source footprinting tool offers a scientific and transparent approach.
Bird wings inspire new approach to flight safety
Engineers found a way to help airplanes avoid stall with lightweight plastic flaps that flutter with pressure changes. The flaps mimick a class of feathers that are key to birds' most daring aerial maneuvers.
Climate, dead zones and fish: Solving a 'wicked problem' in Lake Erie and beyond
A research collaboration has developed a simple model to help inform the complex decision-making that goes into managing water quality and fishery output in Lake Erie and similar ecosystems.
Cellular couriers: Body's 'delivery trucks' could lead to new cancer blood test
Researchers have found a potential new diagnostic marker that could be used to better detect the level of tissue damage in our bodies.
Enhancing the accuracy of wearables that measure blood glucose levels
Wearable electronic devices are potential tools to monitor blood glucose levels (BGLs) among people with diabetes, but their limited size and power lead to noticeable measurement errors. In a recent study, researchers developed a screening technique that can filter out low-quality data in a preprocessing step, enhancing the accuracy of BGL estimations. Their findings could pave the way to convenient glucose monitoring using consumer electronics, eliminating the need for finger pricks.
Invasive plants drive homogenization of soil microbial communities across U.S.
A new study reveals that invasive plants are reshaping soil microbial communities across the U.S., making them more uniform and altering how ecosystems function.
Major development successes in diamond spin photon quantum computers
Lower cooling requirements, longer operating times, lower error rates: Quantum computers based on spin photons and diamond promise significant advantages over competing quantum computing technologies. The consortium of the BMBF project SPINNING coordinated by Fraunhofer IAF has succeeded in decisively advancing the development of spin-photon-based quantum computers.
Giant clam declared critically endangered after the latest assessment
Once abundant, the massive, colorful clam is now locally extinct in many regions, with a critical drop in population due to overfishing and climate change.
No incentive for older birds to make new friends
Like people, birds have fewer friends as they age, but the reasons why are unclear. New research suggests they may just have no drive to.
Improvement of catalytic activity by controlling the surface structure of metal particles
Researchers are finding new ways to make the hydrogen evolution reaction harder, better, faster, and stronger.
Using weather radar to track Australia's migrating birds
Scientists have used data from weather radar not to track storms, but to count birds as they travel across Australian skies.
In their peer-reviewed work, Calcea Johnson and Ne'Kiya Jackson present five new ways of proving Pythagoras' Theorem via trigonometry. They also detail a new method for finding proofs that yield at least five more.
Quality control in artificial photosynthesis: Validating natural antenna mimicry
Researchers have revealed the 3D structure of lab-made light-harvesting complex II (LHCII), a key component in photosynthesis. Using cryo-electron microscopy, they found that artificial LHCII closely mirrors the natural version, advancing research into solar energy harnessing and artificial photosynthesis technologies.
Ultraprecise method of aligning 3D semiconductor chips invented
Researchers have invented a new way to align 3D semiconductor chips by shining a laser through concentric metalenses patterned on the chips to produce a hologram. Their work can help to lower the cost of producing 2D semiconductor chips, enable 3D photonic and electronic chips, and may pave the way for other low-cost, compact sensors.
Alzheimer's research: Superspreader fibrils caught in the act
In dementia diseases such as Alzheimer's, incorrectly folded proteins accumulate in the brain. Researchers have now resolved a particularly active species of protein fibrils with unprecedented precision. The formation of potentially toxic molecules on the surface of protein fibrils was studied from early to late stages spanning over a period of hours.
Understanding how mutations affect diseases
The human genetic code is fully mapped out, providing scientists with a blueprint of the DNA to identify genomic regions and their variations responsible for diseases. Traditional statistical tools effectively pinpoint these genetic 'needles in the haystack,' yet they face challenges in understanding how many genes contribute to diseases, as seen in diabetes or schizophrenia.
Heart failure mortality declining in Sweden
A new study shows that heart failure mortality has decreased in Sweden over the last 20 years.
Keeping fewer friends protects aging monkeys from diseases
Becoming less sociable protects older monkeys from getting ill, new research shows.
Children's BMI can affect their future lung function
An abnormal BMI in children -- be it high or low -- can now be associated with impaired lung function, but if their BMI is normalized before they reach adulthood, the impairment can be offset, researchers report.
Magnetic field applied to both sides of brain shows rapid improvement for depression
A type of therapy that involves applying a magnetic field to both sides of the brain has been shown to be effective at rapidly treating depression in patients for whom standard treatments have been ineffective. The treatment -- known as repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) -- involves placing an electromagnetic coil against the scalp to relay a high-frequency magnetic field to the brain.
Childhood attention issues and genetic factors may predict psychosis risk
Researchers have found that a person's risk of developing psychotic-like experiences may be influenced by both childhood attention problems and their genetic makeup.
Increasing amounts of data require storage, often for long periods. Synthetic polymers are an alternative to conventional storage media because they maintain stored information while using less space and energy. However, data retrieval by mass spectrometry limits the length and thus the storage capacity of individual polymer chains. Researchers have now introduced a method that overcomes this limitation and allows direct access to specific bits without reading the entire chain.
Towards implementing neural networks on edge IoT devices
Researchers have developed a new binarized neural network (BNN) scheme using ternary gradients to address the computational challenges of IoT edge devices. They introduced a magnetic RAM-based computing-in-memory architecture, significantly reducing circuit size and power consumption. Their design achieved near-identical accuracy and faster training times compared to traditional BNNs, making it a promising solution for efficient AI implementation in resource-limited devices, such as those used in IoT systems.
Co-culture system for sustainable cultured meat production
Cultured meat is grown from animal muscle cells, and animal serum is required to promote the growth of these cells. However, the use of serum poses significant challenges because of its high cost and associated ethical concerns. Now, researchers have developed a system where growth factor-secreting liver cells and photosynthetic microorganisms can be grown together to create a low cost, environmentally friendly medium to grow muscle cells without the use of animal serum.
Breakthrough in 3D object scanning: Boosting clarity and depth perception for complex structures
Improvements in three-dimensional (3D) scanning have enabled quick and accurate scanning of 3D objects, including cultural heritage objects, as 3D point cloud data. However, conventional edge-highlighting visualization techniques, used for understanding complex 3D structures, result in excessive line clutter, reducing clarity. Addressing these issues, a multinational team of researchers have developed a novel technique, involving independent rendering of soft and sharp edges in 3D structures, resulting in improved clarity and depth perception.
Building safer cities with AI: Machine learning model enhances urban resilience against liquefaction
In earthquake-prone areas like Japan, there is a need for better prediction of soil stability to mitigate liquefaction risks. Towards this end, researchers have used machine learning models, including artificial neural networks and bagging techniques, to create accurate 3D maps of bearing layers using data from 433 locations in Setagaya, Tokyo. This approach can identify stable construction sites, enhance disaster planning, and contribute to safer urban development, making cities more resilient to liquefaction risks.
Are we missing the mark on biodiversity? 90% of countries ignore key behavior changes
There is a yawning gap between national policies to enhance biodiversity and the individual and small group behavioral changes that are critical to making a real difference.
Breaks in resistance training do not impair long-term development in strength and muscle size
A study investigated how a 10-week break from resistance training affected maximum strength and muscle size. The study found that a 10-week break halfway through 20 total weeks of strength training had little effect on development. During the break, maximal strength was better preserved than muscle size.
Thin skin significantly blunts injury from puncture
Thin, stretchy skin -- like that of a pig or human -- significantly lessens the underlying damage that occurs when it's punctured. Pig skin even outperforms synthetic materials that are designed to mimic skin, a new study finds. Its special qualities, in particular its ability to dissipate the energy of a puncturing object, greatly reduce the damage to deeper tissues, researchers report.
Hydrogen: Breakthrough in alkaline membrane electrolyzers
A team has developed a highly efficient alkaline membrane electrolyser that approaches the performance of established PEM electrolysers. What makes this achievement remarkable is the use of inexpensive nickel compounds for the anode catalyst, replacing costly and rare iridium.
Thermal imaging may help fruits, veggies stay fresher longer
A recent review suggests new temperature measuring technologies could make that process much simpler, amid growing agricultural challenges fueled by fluctuating climates.
Dramatic drop in marijuana use among U.S. youth over a decade (2011 to 2021)
Using a national survey of 88,183 adolescents in grades nine to 12, findings show marijuana use declined from 23.1% in 2011 to 15.8% in 2021, with first-time use before age 13 dropping from 8.1% to 4.9%. In 2021, use was highest among 12th graders (22.4%) and 11th graders (18.7%). Notably, in 2021, girls (17.8%) surpassed boys (13.6%) in reported use, reversing previous trends. While Asian, Hispanic, and white adolescents saw significant declines, Black adolescents reported a higher usage rate of 20.5% in 2021, revealing ongoing racial disparities in marijuana use.
Lab-grown pork gets support from sorghum grain
Meat grown in a lab isn't science fiction anymore. Cultured meats have existed for over a decade, and as of 2023, you might even find lab-grown chicken in restaurants (in the U.S., at least). Now, with the literal support of plant-based scaffolds, 'clean meat' options are expanding. Researchers have created a prototype cultured pork using a new material: kafirin proteins isolated from red sorghum grain.
New research shows that stimulation of the lumbosacral vertebrae region significantly elevated low blood pressure, unlike cervical or upper thoracic stimulation.
Scientists create geochemical fingerprints
Using new technology, researchers have been able to confirm the location of the world's oldest ochre mine and trace how ochre from the mine was dispersed to nearby communities.
A new study shows the remarkable adaptability of the critically endangered Cat Ba langurs. Despite low genetic diversity, the langurs have retained key genetic traits that help them survive in their isolated environment on Cat Ba Island in Vietnam. One of these remarkable adaptations is the ability to drink salt water.
As cannabis is legalized and is more accessible in various forms across the country, there is increasing concern among health care providers about potential impact on children. Researchers have new findings to add to the existing evidence that cannabis exposure before birth can negatively impact children.
Genomic variants that increase risk of kidney disease are found in nearly one-third of West Africans
A study has revealed a significant genetic risk factor for kidney disease in people from Ghana and Nigeria. Their study demonstrated that having just one risk variant in a gene known as APOL1 can significantly increase the risk of developing kidney disease. APOL1 is important for the immune system and variants of the gene are linked to increased risk of chronic kidney disease. The study is published in the New England Journal of Medicine and was conducted by researchers from the Human Heredity and Health in Africa (H3Africa) Kidney Disease Research Network.
A strain of H5N1 avian influenza virus found in a Texas dairy worker who was infected this spring was able to spread among ferrets through the air, although inefficiently, and killed 100% of infected animals in studies researchers performed with the strain earlier this year.
Seeing a black hole's jet in a new light
Researchers have pored over more than two decades' worth of data from NASA's Chandra X-Ray Observatory to show there's new knotty science to discover around black holes.
It acts as a sort of molecular fumigator to battle phages and plasmids.
Pythons can swallow even bigger prey than scientists realized
Burmese pythons can consume prey even larger than scientists realized, according to a new study. That means more animals are on the menu across southern Florida, where the nonnative, invasive snakes have decimated populations of foxes, bobcats, raccoons and other animals.
Melting Arctic sea-ice could affect global ocean circulation
The warming climate in polar regions may significantly disrupt ocean circulation patterns, a new study indicates. Scientists discovered that in the distant past, growing inflows of freshwater from melting Arctic sea-ice into the Nordic Seas likely significantly affected ocean circulation, sending temperatures plummeting across northern Europe.