Science X Newsletter Wed, Mar 29

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Here is your customized Science X Newsletter for March 29, 2023:

Spotlight Stories Headlines

Light-bending gravity reveals one of the biggest black holes ever found

A researcher's life's work uncovers first ancient DNA from Swahili civilization

Massive giant exoplanet discovered with TESS

Magnon-based computation could signal computing paradigm shift

Inverse design method used to improve porous surface texture of 3D printed objects

Predicting neuroblastoma outcomes with molecular evolution

The death of open access mega-journals?

Lizards at US Army installation are stress eating during flyovers, shows study

Fermented coffee's fruity aromas demystified

'Critical tool' launched to track national contributions to climate change

Three newly discovered sea worms that glow in the dark named after creatures from Japanese folklore and marine biologist

'Chemical cube' tools for building new drugs and agrochemicals

Sugar traps force cockroaches to adapt new sex 'gifts'

Obesity treatment could offer dramatic weight loss without surgery or nausea

Pathogenic genetic variations found to boost the risk of H. pylori–related stomach cancer

Nanotechnology news

	Magnon-based computation could signal computing paradigm shift Like electronics or photonics, magnonics is an engineering subfield that aims to advance information technologies when it comes to speed, device architecture, and energy consumption. A magnon corresponds to the specific amount of energy required to change the magnetization of a material via a collective excitation called a spin wave.
	Nanodiscs made of erythrocyte membranes neutralize bacterial toxins Tiny, disc-shaped pieces of membrane called nanodiscs offer exciting possibilities for nanomedicine. Although they have previously been mostly made of synthetic lipids and proteins, a research team has now introduced nanodiscs based on the cell membranes of human red blood cells. As reported in the journal Angewandte Chemie International Edition, they are able to neutralize dangerous bacterial toxins.
	Scientists suggest new solution for flexible self-healing zinc-ion batteries According to a study recently published in Small, a team led by Prof. Zhao Bangchuan from the Hefei Institutes of Physical Science of the Chinese Academy of Sciences fabricated a flexible vanadium disulfide material (VS2@CF) by growing the VS2 nanosheet arrays on carbon foam (CF) using a simple hydrothermal method.
	Discovery of a new topological phase could lead to exciting developments in nanotechnology Cambridge researchers have discovered a new topological phase in a two-dimensional system, which could be used as a new platform for exploring topological physics in nanoscale devices.
	How to improve water permeability and rejection performance of RGO membranes? RGO-MXene membranes give answer Membrane separation technology has become one of the most effective methods for water treatment, owing to its advantages of high separation efficiency, convenient operation and low-energy consumption. The membranes prepared from graphene oxide (GO) have received extensive attention for their high water permeability which is attributable to rapid water transport in the atomically smooth sp2 regions (non-oxidized regions) of their membrane channels.

Physics news

	Scientists solve mystery of cubic ice Scientists from the Institute of Physics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) have made a major breakthrough in the study of ice by confirming the formation of pure-phase cubic ice at low-temperature interfaces.
	Attempting to catch dark matter in a basement Few things carry the same aura of mystery as dark matter. The name itself radiates secrecy, suggesting something hidden in the shadows of the universe.
	Piezoelectric effect in liquids observed for the first time A pair of chemists at Michigan State University has observed the piezoelectric effect in liquids for the first time. In their paper published in The Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters, Md. Iqbal Hossain and G. J. Blanchard, describe accidently observing the property while studying ionic liquids.
	Experiment finds gluon mass in the proton Nuclear physicists may have finally pinpointed where in the proton a large fraction of its mass resides. A recent experiment carried out at the U.S. Department of Energy's Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility has revealed the radius of the proton's mass that is generated by the strong force as it glues together the proton's building block quarks. The result was recently published in Nature.
	Cooking up plasmas with microwaves Lead author Yurii Victorovich Kovtun, despite being forced to evacuate the Kharkiv Institute of Physics and Technology amid the current Russia-Ukraine war, has continued to work with Kyoto University to create stable plasmas using microwaves.
	'QBism': Quantum mechanics is not a description of objective reality—it reveals a world of genuine free will What does quantum mechanics, the most successful theory ever proposed by physics, teach us about reality? The starting point for most philosophers of physics is that quantum mechanics must somehow provide a description of the world as it is independently of us, the users of the theory.

Earth news

	'Critical tool' launched to track national contributions to climate change Research published today shows how countries have contributed to global warming through their emissions of key greenhouse gases since 1850—marking a new effort to track impacts in a critical decade for climate policy.
	Deep ocean currents around Antarctica headed for collapse, study finds The deep ocean circulation that forms around Antarctica could be headed for collapse, say scientists.
	Study finds sulfate pollution impacts Texas gulf coast air Sitting on the beach, taking in the breeze, you might think the sea air is better for you than its inland equivalent. But researchers at the University of Houston have found that the air along the Gulf of Mexico coast in Texas can be more polluted due to its highly processed and acidic chemical components of particulate matter, which are microscopic solid or liquid particles in the air.
	Turbulence theory extended to complex atmospheric conditions Turbulence plays an essential role in weather and climate, and correctly representing its effects in numerical models is crucial for accurate weather forecasts and climate projections. However, the theory describing the effect of turbulence has not changed since its conception in 1950s, despite the fact that it is not representative for the majority of the Earth's land surface, especially over mountains and polar regions. The Innsbruck meteorologist Ivana Stiperski has now extended the turbulence theory to complex atmospheric conditions. The researcher thus paves the way for the first generalized turbulence theory over complex terrain.
	Scientists uncover ice-age shift in Pacific Ocean circulation The overturning circulation of the Pacific Ocean "flipped" during the last ice age, altering the placement of ancient waters rich in carbon dioxide, according to Earth system scientists at the University of California, Irvine.
	Most of world's salt marshes likely to be underwater by 2100, study concludes Cape Cod's salt marshes are as iconic as they are important. These beautiful, low-lying wetlands are some of the most biologically productive ecosystems on Earth. They play an outsized role in nitrogen cycling, act as carbon sinks, protect coastal development from storm surge, and provide critical habitats and nurseries for many fish, shellfish, and coastal birds.
	A reconstruction of prehistoric temperatures for some of the oldest archaeological sites in North America Scientists often look to the past for clues about how Earth's landscapes might shift under a changing climate, and for insight into the migrations of human communities through time. A new study offers both by providing, for the first time, a reconstruction of prehistoric temperatures for some of the first known North American settlements.
	Implementing green corridors throughout Barcelona could reduce annual antidepressant use A health impact assessment led by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal) has concluded that implementing green corridors throughout the city of Barcelona would result in a "considerable reduction" in mental disorder cases in adult residents as well as in direct and indirect costs associated to said cases. The study was published in the journal Environment International.
	Researchers use Earth observations to identify damage, impacts from earthquakes in Turkey The country of Turkey is still reeling from a 7.8 and a 7.5 magnitude earthquake and thousands of aftershocks that occurred in February, causing widespread destruction to infrastructure and human life. To aid response and recovery efforts, two researchers from the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) Earth System Science Center (ESSC) are using Earth observations to help those on the ground in Turkey make informed decisions.
	Seeking climate justice at the 'world court' for Vanuatu Just days after 105 countries backed Vanuatu's historic bid to take climate change before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), this small Pacific nation declared a state of emergency.
	Why tornadoes are still hard to forecast, even though storm predictions are improving As a deadly tornado headed toward Rolling Fork, Mississippi, on March 24, 2023, forecasters saw the storm developing on radar and issued a rare "tornado emergency" warning. NOAA's Weather Prediction and Storm Prediction centers had been warning for several days about the risk of severe weather in the region. But while forecasters can see the signs of potential tornadoes in advance, forecasting when and where tornadoes will form is still extremely difficult.
	Machine learning model helps forecasters improve confidence in storm prediction When severe weather is brewing and life-threatening hazards like heavy rain, hail or tornadoes are possible, advance warning and accurate predictions are of utmost importance. Colorado State University weather researchers have given storm forecasters a powerful new tool to improve confidence in their forecasts and potentially save lives.
	UN adopts landmark resolution on climate justice (Update) The UN General Assembly took a major step towards urgent global climate action Wednesday as members adopted a resolution calling for the world body's top court to outline nations' legal obligations related to curbing warming.
	Europe rights court hears climate cases against governments Cases opened Wednesday before the European Court of Human Rights against France and Switzerland over alleged failings to protect the environment, marking the first time governments are in the court's dock for alleged climate change inaction.
	Beleaguered forests are losing ground Criticizing the Biden administration's $3.5 trillion Inflation Reduction Act, a U.S. Senate candidate in Georgia singled out funding to plant and protect trees.
	Scientists turn to coconuts to save the New Jersey coastline Ecologist Shane Godshall tromps in waders through two feet of mud in Thompsons Beach marsh on the Delaware Bay in Heislerville, in New Jersey's Cumberland County.
	Worry and suspicion reign as once-dry Tulare Lake drowns California farmland Sixth Avenue used to cut through miles of farmland. Now, the road has disappeared under muddy water, its path marked by sodden telephone poles that protrude from the swelling lake. Water laps just below the windows of a lone farmhouse that sits alongside the submerged route.
	Opinion: Climate doomism is bad storytelling—hope is much more effective at triggering action When news about the climate is published, like the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's latest report, frightening headlines like "final warning" or "now or never" are often the norm. Some activists call this approach "climate doomism", and are quick to criticize media publications and other influencers for it. Climate doomism is the view that humanity has lost the climate battle, and we feel nothing but helplessness and anxiety about it.
	Names Fiona, Ian removed from UN's hurricane roster The death and destruction caused by Hurricanes Fiona and Ian last year has prompted the UN weather agency to remove the names from a rotating list of storm titles, it said Wednesday.

Astronomy and Space news

	Light-bending gravity reveals one of the biggest black holes ever found A team of astronomers has discovered one of the biggest black holes ever found, taking advantage of a phenomenon called gravitational lensing.
	Massive giant exoplanet discovered with TESS Using NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS), astronomers have detected a new exoplanet orbiting a distant star. The newfound alien world, designated TOI-4603 b is the size of Jupiter and about 13 times more massive than the solar system's biggest planet. The finding was detailed in a paper published March 21 on the arXiv pre-print repository.
	New paper investigates exoplanet climates Inspired by the Milankovitch cycles that play a role in Earth's climate over time, new research at Florida Tech examines how these recurring orbital movements may affect the climate of exoplanets.
	Astronomers witness the birth of a very distant cluster of galaxies from the early universe Using the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA), of which ESO is a partner, astronomers have discovered a large reservoir of hot gas in the still-forming galaxy cluster around the Spiderweb galaxy—the most distant detection of such hot gas yet. Galaxy clusters are some of the largest objects known in the universe and this result, published today in Nature, further reveals just how early these structures begin to form.
	Scientists share 'comprehensive' map of volcanoes on Venus—all 85,000 of them Intrigued by reports of recent volcanic eruptions on Venus? WashU planetary scientists Paul Byrne and Rebecca Hahn want you to use their new map of 85,000 volcanoes on Venus to help locate the next active lava flow. Their study was posted online ahead of print in Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets.
	NGC 253: Chandra determines what makes a galaxy's wind blow On Earth, wind can transport particles of dust and debris across the planet, with sand from the Sahara ending up in the Caribbean or volcanic ash from Iceland being deposited in Greenland. Wind can also have a big impact on the ecology and environment of a galaxy, just like on Earth, but on much larger and more dramatic scales.
	'Taffy Galaxies' collide, leave behind bridge of star-forming material Galaxy collisions are transformative events, largely responsible for driving the evolution of the universe. The mixing and mingling of stellar material is an incredibly dynamic process that can lead to the formation of molecular clouds populated with newly forming stars. But, a head-on collision between the two galaxies UGC 12914 (left) and UGC 12915 (right) 25–30 million years ago appears to have resulted in a different kind of structure—a bridge of highly turbulent material spanning the two galaxies. Though this intergalactic bridge is teeming with star-forming material, its turbulent nature is suppressing star formation.
	NASA missions study what may be a 1-In-10,000-year gamma-ray burst On Sunday, Oct. 9, 2022, a pulse of intense radiation swept through the solar system so exceptional that astronomers quickly dubbed it the BOAT—the brightest of all time.
	Arizona astronomers race to make sense of brightest gamma ray burst ever seen University of Arizona astronomers have joined an international effort to study the aftermath of the brightest flash of gamma rays ever observed. Observations involving various UArizona telescopes and instruments provide astronomers with a "cosmic lab" to study how massive stars die.
	Bright gamma ray burst confounds models of black hole birth Last October, following one of the brightest flashes of gamma rays ever observed in the sky, telescopes around the world captured a wealth of data from an event that is thought to herald the collapse of a massive star and the birth of a black hole.
	What are auroras, and why do they come in different shapes and colors? Two experts explain Over millennia, humans have observed and been inspired by beautiful displays of light bands dancing across dark night skies. Today, we call these lights the aurora: the aurora borealis in the northern hemisphere, and the aurora australis in the south.
	NASA, Boeing aiming for July launch of Starliner space capsule The first crewed flight of Boeing's Starliner space capsule to the International Space Station (ISS) will take place in July, Boeing and NASA officials said Wednesday.
	Don't take batteries to the moon or Mars, 3D print them when you get there When the Artemis astronauts and future explorers go to the moon and Mars, they'll need power. Lots of it. Of course, they'll use solar panels to generate the juice they need for habitats, experiments, rovers, and so on. But, they'll need batteries for power storage. Those things weigh a lot and cost a fortune to send up from Earth. So, why not simply 3D print their own when they get there?
	Strong solar flare erupts from the sun The sun has emitted a strong solar flare that peaked at 10:33 p.m. ET on March 28, 2023. NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, which watches the sun constantly, captured an image of the event.

Technology news

	Inverse design method used to improve porous surface texture of 3D printed objects A multi-institutional team of mechanical engineers and materials scientists has developed an inverse design method to improve the texture of porous surfaces on 3D printed structures. In their paper published in the journal Science, the group describes developing micrometer-sized triangles and ribbons to create a lattice upon which to build surface structures.
	Engineer discusses the next generation of micrometer-scale batteries Automated sprinklers, lighting, and security systems have been commonplace in homes and offices for several decades. In recent years, however, they have become increasingly efficient at anticipating user needs and optimizing their performance due to their ability to communicate information over wireless networks. This emerging phenomenon is known as the Internet of Things (IoT), and it describes how interconnected devices parse data to one another without human intervention to enhance their convenience.
	When it comes to neural networks learning motion, it's all relative Seeking to explore the capabilities of neural networks for recognizing and predicting motion, a group of researchers led by Hehe Fan developed and tested a deep learning approach based on relative change in position encoded as a series of vectors, finding that their method worked better than existing frameworks for modeling motion. The group's key innovation was to encode motion separately from position.
	Scanning probe simultaneously captures structural and ion concentration changes Lithium ion batteries dominate the energy storage sector from the scale of small portable devices to electric vehicles and even grid-scale electricity suppliers. Research is constantly ongoing to improve their energy density, charging speed, lifetime and safety, among other attributes. Here an understanding of not just the changes that go on in lithium ion batteries but how different parameters might interact can be extremely advantageous.
	Study shows human brain can assist with computational ghost imaging Interacting with computers by brain activity seems less futuristic these days, thanks to researchers and entrepreneurs who have been attempting to tap the potential of brain-computer interfaces for augmented cognitive abilities.
	Use of layering-charged polymers in battery technology could boost EV range 10-fold The electric vehicle market has been experiencing explosive growth, with global sales surpassing $1 trillion in 2022 and Korea's domestic sales exceeding 108,000 units. Inevitably, demand is growing for high-capacity batteries that can extend EV driving range. Recently, a joint team of researchers from POSTECH and Sogang University developed a functional polymeric binder for stable, high-capacity anode material that could increase the current EV range at least 10-fold.
	New algorithm keeps drones from colliding in midair When multiple drones are working together in the same airspace, perhaps spraying pesticide over a field of corn, there's a risk they might crash into each other.
	New chip design to provide greatest precision in memory to date Everyone is talking about the newest AI and the power of neural networks, forgetting that software is limited by the hardware on which it runs. But it is hardware, says USC Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering Joshua Yang, that has become "the bottleneck." Now, Yang's new research with collaborators might change that. They believe that they have developed a new type of chip with the best memory of any chip thus far for edge AI (AI in portable devices).
	Car battery recycling market gears up for future boom Researcher Anna Vanderbruggen peers into a vat of dark bubbling liquid, the result of a process she has developed to recover graphite from old lithium-ion batteries.
	Musk and experts call for halt in 'giant AI experiments' Billionaire mogul Elon Musk and a range of experts called on Wednesday for a pause in the development of powerful artificial intelligence (AI) systems to allow time to make sure they are safe.
	Spain competition watchdog opens Google probe Spain's competition watchdog has launched an investigation into Google for alleged anti-competitive practices affecting news agencies and press publications.
	Research team develops hemp-based masonry blocks A University of Nebraska–Lincoln College of Engineering research team has developed a plant-based mixture for concrete masonry blocks that are environmentally friendly and sustainable while helping to meet the world's construction demands.
	Revealing the nature of fractures in high-strength steel caused by hydrogen One of the many ways to reduce the energy required for transportation is to make vehicles lighter. High-strength (HS) steel is perfect candidate materials for this purpose, as its higher weight-to-strength ratio allows for the use of less metal to achieve a similar structural integrity. Many automobile companies believe HS steel will be an essential component of various types of cars in the future. However, for this to become a reality, there is a glaring problem that needs to be solved.
	Designing a tabletop instrument that could someday revolutionize mass measurement NIST is working on a big project in a small package.
	Researchers develop non-intrusive sensor for pipeline monitoring Unexpected pipeline failures can lead to leaks that pollute the environment and compromise public safety, thereby underscoring the importance of accurate, real-time pipeline monitoring. Pipelines on naval ships that are a part of fire-extinguishing and cooling systems are especially prone to damage due to frequent projectile launches and collisions.
	AI could set a new bar for designing hurricane-resistant buildings Being able to withstand hurricane-force winds is the key to a long life for many buildings on the Eastern Seaboard and Gulf Coast of the U.S. Determining the right level of winds to design for is tricky business, but support from artificial intelligence may offer a simple solution.
	Musk, scientists call for halt to AI race sparked by ChatGPT Are tech companies moving too fast in rolling out powerful artificial intelligence technology that could one day outsmart humans?
	Whole-message AI communication seen as more useful As large language models (LLMs) such as GPT-4 are further developed, they will naturally become better at using available information to generate useful text on virtually any topic—not only by the phrase or sentence, but by the whole document.
	Alibaba's overhaul: a 'smart' move after China crackdown Alibaba, China's biggest e-commerce company, has announced plans to split its business into six groups, in one of the most significant overhauls of a leading Chinese tech firm to date.
	The people power being harnessed for cleaner and cheaper energy As Europe weans itself off fossil fuels, local energy networks are tapping renewable sources to fill the gap and cut consumer bills.
	Montenegro says US, S.Korea seek extradition of crypto fugitive The United States and South Korea have sought the extradition from Montenegro of fugitive cryptocurrency entrepreneur Do Kwon, the country's minister of justice said Wednesday, just days after he was arrested in the Balkan nation.

Chemistry news

	Fermented coffee's fruity aromas demystified Specialty coffees are gaining traction in coffeehouses around the world—and now a fermented version could bring a fruity taste to your morning cup of joe. This new kind of beverage has a raspberry-like taste and aroma, but what causes these sensations has been a mystery. Today, scientists report six compounds that contribute to the fermented coffee experience. The work could help increase production of the drink and make it more readily available for everyone to enjoy.
	'Chemical cube' tools for building new drugs and agrochemicals In an ongoing discovery program, a chemical-creation platform is being unearthed—based on cubic molecules—that could help breathe new life into tired drugs and agrochemicals.
	New study provides novel insights into the cosmic evolution of amino acids All biological amino acids on Earth appear exclusively in their left-handed form, but the reason underlying this observation is elusive. Recently, scientists from Japan uncovered new clues about the cosmic origin of this asymmetry. Based on the optical properties of amino acids found on the Murchison meteorite, they conducted physics-based simulations, revealing that the precursors to the biological amino acids may have determined the amino acid chirality during the early phase of galactic evolution.
	Success in simple creation of artificial metalloenzymes with high stereoselectivity Enzymes work in the cells of all living organisms, allowing specific and complex reactions to be carried out quite easily. However, few natural enzymes are effective for industrial applications, which could benefit greatly from discoveries that make targeted enzyme creation a reality.
	Examining why egg yolk was used in Old Masters' oil paints A team of chemical engineers affiliated with several institutions in Europe has determined why Old Masters of the 16th, 17th, and early 18th centuries added egg yolk to their oil-based paints. In their study, reported in the journal Nature Communications, the group added fresh egg yolk to the types of oils used by Renaissance painters and tested them to see changes it made to their properties.
	Mimicking biological enzymes may be key to hydrogen fuel production An ancient biological enzyme known as nickel-iron hydrogenase may play a key role in producing hydrogen for a renewables-based energy economy, researchers have found. Careful study of the enzyme has led chemists from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign to design a synthetic molecule that mimics the hydrogen gas-producing chemical reaction performed by the enzyme.
	New insights into an old drug: Scientists discover why aspirin works so well New research has revealed important information about how aspirin works. Even though this drug has been available commercially since the late 1800s, scientists have not yet fully elucidated its detailed mechanism of action and cellular targets. The new findings could pave the way to safer aspirin alternatives and might also have implications for improving cancer immunotherapies.
	Scientists see anti-aging potential in an invasive weed The fruit of the cocklebur plant, which grows worldwide and is often considered a noxious weed, has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory components that could make it useful as a skin protectant, according to new research.
	Next-generation aramid fiber with electrical conductivity Aramid fiber is known as "super fiber," or "golden silk," because even though its weight is equivalent to only 20% of the weight of steel, it is more than five times as strong and does not burn, even at 500°C. Aramid fiber is an essential material used in various applications such as body armor, fire-resistant clothing, fiber optic cable reinforcement, high-performance tires, and aerospace materials. The late Dr. Han-Sik Yun began researching aramid fiber at the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) in 1979 and secured independent source technology in 1984.
	Researchers synthesize N and P co-doping catalysts Recently, the team from Institute of Solid State Physics, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, made a breakthrough in the research of non-metallic heteroatom doping to regulate catalytic performance. The researchers synthesized N and P co-doping carbon-coated cobalt-based catalysts (Co@NPC) and explored the effect of heteroatom doping in the catalyst on the selective hydrogenation of cinnamaldehyde. The study was published in the Journal of Catalysis.
	Particle errors: Quantifying the effects of simulation mixing state on aerosol optical properties Particles in the atmosphere affect global climate. For example, the black carbon from burning fossil fuels absorbs and radiates light and heat. To calculate the effects of aerosols on climate, scientists rely on simulated aerosol fields. How these models represent aerosol mixing state potentially introduces large uncertainties into climate calculations. This is because the simulated aerosol optical properties—how particles absorb and scatter light—are sensitive to mixing state. Mixing state refers to how various properties are distributed across the particles in the air.

Biology news

	Lizards at US Army installation are stress eating during flyovers, shows study Lizards may be small, with only a single hearing bonelet compared to our three, and without earflaps, but their hearing is typically good. Most lizards can hear frequencies between 100 and 5,000 Hz (although they are most sensitive between 400 and 1,500 Hz), compared to between 20 and 20,000 Hz in humans. So how do lizards react to noise pollution?
	Three newly discovered sea worms that glow in the dark named after creatures from Japanese folklore and marine biologist A research group from Nagoya University in central Japan has discovered three new species of bioluminescent polycirrus worms from different parts of Japan. Usually found in shallow water, polycirrus are small worms, known for their bioluminescence. The researchers named one of their discoveries after a ghostly yokai, a creature in Japanese foklore; another after a lantern yokai; and the other after an influential Japanese marine biologist. The researchers published their findings in the journal Royal Society Open Science.
	Sugar traps force cockroaches to adapt new sex 'gifts' Humans using sugar in cockroach traps has inadvertently led to female roaches being turned off by the sugary "gifts" males use to entice them into mating.
	Bacterial injection system delivers proteins in mice and human cells Researchers at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard and the McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT have harnessed a natural bacterial system to develop a new protein delivery approach that works in human cells and animals. The technology, described today in Nature, can be programmed to deliver a variety of proteins, including ones for gene editing, to different cell types. The system could potentially be a safe and efficient way to deliver gene therapies and cancer therapies.
	Ancient African empires' impact on migration revealed by genetics Traces of ancient empires that stretched across Africa remain in the DNA of people living on the continent, reveals a new genetics study led by UCL researchers.
	Nature favors all creatures great and small over medium size, finds research Life may come in all shapes and sizes, but in nature the most extreme size ranges predominate, according to Rutgers researchers.
	Detecting coral biodiversity in seawater samples Researchers from the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) have developed a method to measure coral biodiversity through extracting the environmental DNA (or eDNA) from a liter of surface seawater collected from above a reef. The method has been confirmed to work through observations made by scientific divers in the same areas of ocean.
	Genes on the move: Mapping the pathways of horizontal gene transfer In the past few decades, there has been a rise in antibiotic-resistant infections, which are becoming an increasingly urgent public health concern. According to the World Health Organization, at least 700,000 people die each year due to antibiotic-resistant infections, and this number is only expected to increase as more and more bacteria become resistant to commonly used antibiotics.
	Microplastic found in Antarctic krill and salps A new study led by researchers at the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) discovered microplastics in krill (Euphausia superba), a small shrimp-like crustacean, and salps (Salpa thompsoni), a gelatinous marine invertebrate. The results are published today (March 29) in the journal Royal Society Open Science.
	How the ancestors of today's marine fishes conquered the oceans An international team led by researchers from IRTA at the IBB-UAB and the University of Bergen have identified a unique set of genes that allows marine teleost fishes to hydrate their eggs so that they float and disperse for survival in the ocean. The discovered mechanisms shed new light on the evolution of this group of fishes, to which almost all modern marine fishes belong and whose ancestors ventured from freshwater to the saline domain.
	Integrating unique long-term datasets reveals how upwelling affects marine life from the surface to deep seafloor For California's Central Coast, wind is much more than weather.
	How did the orchid mantis adapt and evolve？ Researchers from the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden (XTBG) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences recently presented the first study systematically investigating basic biological traits of a classic conspicuous masquerader, the orchid mantis.
	Ancient giant amphibians swam like crocodiles 250 million years ago, says new study Ancient 2-meter-long amphibians swam like crocodiles long before true crocodiles existed, according to a study published March 29, 2023, in the open-access journal PLOS ONE by David P. Groenewald of the University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa and colleagues.
	Scientists discover hidden crab diversity among coral reefs The Indo-West Pacific is the largest, most biodiverse marine ecosystem on Earth, and many of the species it supports have comparably wide ranges. Writing in The Origin of Species, Charles Darwin noted that "… many fish range from the Pacific into the Indian Ocean, and many shells are common to the eastern islands of the Pacific and the eastern shores of Africa, on almost exactly opposite meridians of latitude."
	Understanding how cohesin makes DNA loops in the human genome and its role in Cornelia de Lange syndrome Cohesin is a ring-shaped protein that surrounds and moves around the DNA molecule, forming the loops. It is a crucial process for the cell. Understanding how cohesin works has been one of the challenges of molecular biology in recent decades. A study now published by researcher Ana Losada's group at The Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO) will serve to deepen our understanding of the disease known as Cornelia de Lange syndrome.
	Dissecting the circadian clock in real time As our bodies and minds continue to adjust to the recent time change, debates continue around society about whether to make daylight saving time a permanent fixture, eliminate it or stay with the current semi-annual clock adjustment.
	Insects have more complex immune systems than previously thought Humans and other vertebrates (like mammals, birds, fish, reptiles and amphibians) have complex, multi-faceted immune systems that protect us from a constant barrage of bugs and other nasties. But what about insects and other invertebrates?
	New insights into how cells respond to altered gravity experienced in space A new study has revealed insights into how cells sense and respond to the weightlessness experienced in space. The information could be useful for keeping astronauts healthy on future space missions.
	Scientists have bone to pick with T-Rex skeleton set to sell for millions A curator gingerly fastens a pointy claw bone with a thin metal wire, completing perhaps the world's biggest construction kit—reassembling a 67-million-year-old Tyrannosaurus-Rex called Trinity.
	Australian scientists piece together toothy wombat ancestor A chunky wombat ancestor with a powerful bite wandered Australia's once-lush Outback around 25 million years ago munching on fruit and nuts, fossils found by Australian scientists have shown.
	Tree ring width predicted by machine learning Tree rings are record books of annual growth, and the width of each ring is correlated to that year's environmental conditions. In a new study, Cameron Lee and Matthew Dannenberg use machine learning to demonstrate that ring width is well correlated with the types of air masses a tree experienced over the past year.
	A new drug-resistant fungus is spreading in hospitals. Is it 'The Last of Us' in real life? Here's a scenario that may sound familiar to fans of the postapocalyptic TV drama "The Last of Us": a hard-to-kill fungus is beginning to spread among—and infect—vulnerable populations. Only this time, it's real.
	Faster recognition of non-native iguanas on Saba helps Caribbean conservation efforts Researchers of Wageningen University & Research have identified a recent incursion of non-native iguanas on Saba, which form a major threat to the endemic melanistic iguana population. A promising study shows a new methodology with which non-native iguanas can be recognized and removed at an early stage for more effective protection of native populations.
	Direct evidence for relatively fast cycling of lignin and its high temperature sensitivity Climate projection requires an accurate understanding for the decomposition of soil organic carbon (SOC) and its response to warming. However, the wide array of organic molecules in the soil exhibits distinct chemical structures and kinetic properties, making it difficult to unravel the conundrum of SOC stability and response to warming.
	Shod horses exhibit marked improvement in gait quality The right pair of shoes can make all the difference. This is as true for horses as it is for people, according to new research from animal scientists and engineers from UConn.
	Scientists apply Raman quantitative 3D imaging to microbial monitoring Microorganisms are important contributors to the deep-sea sulfur cycle. However, in-situ detection of deep-sea microorganisms faces great challenges due to the extreme complexity of the deep-sea environment, the difficulty of sampling, isolation and cultivation of microorganisms, and the lack of near real-time nondestructive monitoring methods for microbial sulfur metabolism.
	Smells shown to influence metabolism and aging in mice Exposure to female odors and pheromones causes weight loss and extends the life spans of mice, which may have implications for humans, University of Otago researchers have found.
	Humans and housing density are the leading cause of death for local pumas, find researchers Two new studies involving UC Santa Cruz researchers are shedding light on the challenges facing local pumas where humans are encroaching on their natural habitats.
	Exploring new ways to protect food crops from climate change and other disruptions "There's no doubt we can produce enough food for the world's population—humanity is strategic enough to achieve that. The question is whether—because of war and conflict and corruption and destabilization—we do," said World Food Program leader David Beasley in an interview with Time magazine earlier this year.
	Exploring new ways to study heart rate, respiration in wild animal populations Diagnostic imaging such as X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans are important tools in monitoring the health of humans and animals. But for researchers in the field, it is difficult to administer these common tests on wild populations.
	Rare video of wombats offers a glimpse into the bizarre realm of animal reproduction If you look at where wombats deposit their poo, you realize they must be able to perform some surprising acrobatics. It has always amazed me to see wombat scats on top of grass tussocks or logs, because I've always wondered how the stocky creatures must have maneuvered themselves to put it there.
	Promising probiotic for dairy cattle headed to marketplace A probiotic developed at the University of Alberta is the first of its kind to have widespread benefits for dairy cows, and is starting to make its way into the marketplace.
	COVID-19 causes chaos in infected cells' RNA, finds study Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) hijacks parts of infected cells' vital RNA machinery, thereby blocking important functions in the cells. These damaging changes in the RNA can likely be reversed, potentially leading to new drugs against COVID-19, University of Gothenburg researchers show.
	'Just old age' or is your dog experiencing a serious clinical issue? A study from veterinary researchers at the University of Liverpool has shown that dog owners need clearer guidance on which behavioral and physical signs are a normal part of the aging process and which could be indicative of a serious condition.
	Stinky seaweed blooms: Turning an ecological risk into an opportunity As Atlantic beaches brace for their annual onslaught of a potent-smelling seaweed, scientists on a project led by the University of Southampton are sharing their research into how communities affected can make use of this putrid problem—by turning it into a compost.
	Scientists shed light on how macrophages interact with microplastics A large portion of the nearly 200 million tons of single-use plastic produced globally ends up discarded as waste. The eventual breakdown of this plastic into microplastics—0.1–1000 µm-sized particles—is a cause for concern. Humans are exposed to microplastics not only through food consumption but also via inhalation, and their occurrence in the bloodstream and organs has already been documented.
	Danish Zoo hopes to ignite panda romance Concerned that its two pandas are slow to breed, Copenhagen Zoo has begun a new strategy to encourage mating—giving the prospective couple more time to get to know each other.
	Rainbow trout subspecies newly named The McCloud River redband trout, or O. mykiss calisulat, is newly identified as its own distinct subspecies of rainbow trout in a study from the University of California, Davis. It is the first newly identified subspecies of Pacific trout since 2008 and the youngest rainbow trout subspecies by more than 100 years.
	How the gut creates a cozy home for beneficial microbiome species The digestive tract of fruit flies remodels itself to accommodate beneficial microbiome species and maintain long-term stability of the gut environment, according to new research led by William Ludington and Allan Spradling of the Carnegie Institution for Science. Their findings are published in Nature Communications.
	Philippine fishermen struggle as oil spill keeps them ashore A crab covered in oil creeps across the sand as Philippine fishermen wearing white protective suits, rubber gloves, and respirator masks scrape toxic sludge from the rocks along the shore.
	The shape of your heart matters Curious to know if you're at risk for two common heart conditions? Your doctor may want to check the shape of your heart.
	Fish diversity documented in Switzerland's rivers In a major survey of Swiss rivers and streams, more than 50 different fish species were recorded. For the first time, more than one species was also found in the case of smaller types of fish such as the bullhead. In Progetto Fiumi, riverine fish were surveyed using standardized methods and both morphological and genetic characteristics were analyzed. Particularly high diversity was seen in large lowland rivers—where, however, near-natural reaches are rare.

Medicine and Health news

	Predicting neuroblastoma outcomes with molecular evolution A research team led by the German Cancer Research Center in Heidelberg, Germany, has discovered that the genetic sequence of a tumor can be read like a molecular clock, traced back to its most recent common ancestor cell. Extracting the duration of tumor evolution can give an accurate predictor of neuroblastoma outcomes.
	Obesity treatment could offer dramatic weight loss without surgery or nausea Imagine getting the benefits of gastric bypass surgery without going under the knife—a new class of compounds could do just that. In lab animals, these potential treatments reduce weight dramatically and lower blood glucose. The injectable compounds also avoid the side effects of nausea and vomiting that are common with current weight-loss and diabetes drugs. Now, scientists report that the new treatment not only reduces eating but also boosts calorie burn.
	Pathogenic genetic variations found to boost the risk of H. pylori–related stomach cancer A large case-control study by international researchers at the RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences (IMS) in Japan has found that people who carry certain genetic risk factors for gastric (stomach) cancer have a much greater risk if they have also been infected by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori. The study, published in The New England Journal of Medicine, could contribute to the development of tailored genomic medicine for treating stomach cancer.
	Scientists identify cellular signaling pathway as key player in metastasis A team of scientists at the Sloan Kettering Institute have identified the STING cellular signaling pathway as a key player in keeping dormant cancer cells from progressing into aggressive tumors months, or even years, after they've escaped from a primary tumor.
	Feed them or lose them: How developing nerve cells are influenced by essential amino acids Brain development consists of a sequence of coordinated steps, which are mainly instructed by our genes. During these steps, the proper positioning and functionality of nerve cells in the brain (neurons) are critical—nonfunctional or incorrectly positioned neurons can lead to severe neuropathological consequences. Mutations in genes coordinating this program are often linked to neurodevelopmental disorders; however, environmental stressors such as nutrient scarcity or malnutrition can also influence the development of the brain. Still, very little is known about the importance of specific nutrients and the role of metabolism during brain development.
	Study defines a newly recognized clinical condition: Cesarean scar disorder More than 30% of women who give birth by cesarean section suffer from long-term symptoms, such as abdominal pain, blood loss or fertility problems. These symptoms are caused by an abnormal uterine scar. This condition is defined now for the first time, thanks to an international study led by Amsterdam UMC, as Cesarean Scar Disorder (CSDi). This gives women recognition for these problems after a cesarean section. In addition, international studies on CSDi can now be better compared with each other, providing more insight into treatment options. The research is published today in JAMA Network Open.
	Diminishing health benefits of living in cities for children and teens The advantages of living in cities for children and adolescents' healthy growth and development are shrinking across much of the world, according to a new global analysis of trends in child and adolescent height and body mass index (BMI). The study was led by researchers at Imperial College London and published in Nature under the title, "Diminishing benefits of urban living for children and adolescents' health."
	Machine learning identifies 'heart roundness' as a new tool for diagnosing cardiovascular conditions Physicians currently use assessments like heart chamber size and systolic function to diagnose and monitor cardiomyopathy and other related heart conditions. A paper published in the journal Med on March 29 suggests that another measurement—cardiac sphericity, or roundness of the heart—may one day be a useful implement to add to the diagnostic toolkit.
	As temperatures climb, preschoolers become less physically active "Go outside and play" is the time-tested strategy for generations of parents and caregivers ready to see their little ones tuckered out by exercise. But the strategy may be losing some of its impact as more children face more hot days, according to new research from The University of Texas at Austin. A team found that, as the weather gets hotter, preschool-aged children become more sedentary.
	COVID vaccine induces robust T cell responses in blood cancer patients Researchers have found that, despite being heavily immunocompromised, hematology patients generate strong cellular immune responses against SARS-CoV-2 after vaccination, on par with that of healthy individuals.
	Machine learning combined with multispectral infrared imaging to guide cancer surgery Surgical tumor removal remains one of the most common procedures during cancer treatment, with about 45% of cancer patients undergoing this surgery at some point. Thanks to recent progress in imaging and biochemical technologies, surgeons are now better able to tell tumors apart from healthy tissue. Specifically, this is enabled by a technique called "fluorescence-guided surgery" (FGS).
	Research team confirms the long-term safety of methylphenidate in children and adolescents with ADHD An international research team led by Professor Ian Wong Chi-kei, Head of the Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, LKS Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong (HKUMed) and Professor David Coghill, Department of Pediatrics, University of Melbourne found that long-term methylphenidate treatment does not increase the risk of growth impairments, psychiatric or neurological adverse events in a naturalistic, prospective, controlled, longitudinal study.
	Online cognitive training not effective in reducing ADHD symptoms, finds major review A major review of research led by the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN) at King's College London and the University of Southampton, on behalf of the European ADHD Guidelines Group (EAGG), found little to no evidence that computerized cognitive training brings benefits for people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
	Surgical sealing made better with robust thermosensitive bioadhesives As part of a collaborative effort, scientists from the Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI) have employed inventive chemistry to produce an injectable biomaterial with significantly improved adhesive strength, stretchability, and toughness.
	Sox9 protein enables molecular 'time travel' that can lead to colorectal cancer Normally the lining of the colon forms a series of steep hills and valleys. At the surface, where the hills peak, are functional colon cells that do the organ's work of absorption and secretion. Deep in the valleys are stem cells that constantly renew those functional cells. New research from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found that the cells in those valleys can go through a transition before cancer begins.
	Drug overdose fatalities among US older adults have quadrupled over 20 years, research finds Overdose mortality among people age 65 and older quadrupled over 20 years, suggesting the need for greater mental health and substance use disorder policies addressed at curbing the trend, a new research paper finds.
	Excess death gap widens between US and Europe A new analysis shows that, compared to similarly high-income European countries, the U.S. continues to have substantially higher death rates at all but the oldest ages, resulting in more "excess deaths," and this gap widened during the COVID-19 pandemic. Patrick Heuveline, of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), presents these findings in the open-access journal PLOS ONE on March 29, 2023.
	Discovery could be key to reducing leukemia treatment resistance In a world first, Newcastle researchers have discovered the mechanisms acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells use to produce "free radicals"—the byproduct of a cell process that aggressively fuels the growth of cancer cells and limits the effectiveness of current treatments.
	Cell mapping and 'mini placentas' give new insights into human pregnancy Researchers from the University of Cambridge, the Wellcome Sanger Institute, the Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research (FMI), Switzerland, EMBL's European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI), and collaborators, have created an in-depth picture of how the placenta develops and communicates with the uterus.
	Living with pet cats or dogs is associated with fewer food allergies in young children In an analysis of more than 65,000 infants from Japan, children exposed to pet cats or indoor dogs during fetal development or early infancy tended to have fewer food allergies compared to other children, according to a study published March 29, 2023, in the open-access journal PLOS ONE by Hisao Okabe from the Fukushima Regional Center for the Japan Environment and Children's Study, Japan, and colleagues.
	Method for improving seasonal flu vaccines also aids pandemic prediction Improving the seasonal influenza vaccine and public health specialists' ability to predict pandemic potential in new flu strains may be possible, due to new findings from scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. The key is the stability of a viral protein that gains entry into human cells. The findings were published today in Science Advances.
	New mouse study reveals a key process in how the brain forms memories The process by which memories are formed in the hippocampus region of the brain is complex. It relies on a precise choreography of interactions among neurons, neurotransmitters, receptors and enzymes.
	Novel lymphoma tumor model paves way for new therapies In recent years, innovative cancer drugs that target specific molecular drivers of the disease have been embraced as the treatment of choice for many types of cancer. But despite significant advances, there is still a lack of understanding about how the complex interactions between a tumor and its surrounding environment in the body affect cancer progression. This problem has become a well-known roadblock in making novel treatments effective for more people.
	Lab-made antibodies offer potential cure for yellow fever New research from Oregon Health & Science University and collaborators indicates that lab-made antibodies may be able to cure people infected with yellow fever, a virus for which there is no treatment.
	Heart attack study could change the game in regenerative medicine Sanford Burnham Prebys researchers have identified a group of proteins that could be the secret to cellular reprogramming, an emerging approach in regenerative medicine in which scientists transform cells to repair damaged or injured body tissues. The researchers were able to reprogram damaged heart cells to repair heart injuries in mice following a heart attack. The findings, which appear in the journal Nature Communications, could one day transform the way we treat a variety of diseases, including cardiovascular disease, Parkinson's and neuromuscular diseases.
	Research autopsies reveal how incurable skin cancer resists treatment Scientists have determined how some skin cancers stop responding to treatment at the end of life.
	Risk for skin cancer higher for adults with atopic dermatitis Adults with atopic dermatitis (AD) have an increased risk for developing melanoma, basal cell carcinoma (BCC), and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), with significantly higher risks seen for moderate-to-severe versus mild AD, according to a study presented at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology, held from March 17 to 21 in New Orleans.
	AI shows the need for healthier diets in long-term care homes A detailed analysis of consumed food showed there is a need to improve diets in long-term care (LTC) homes to make them healthier for residents.
	Immune checkpoint inhibitor antitumor response: Decoding molecular mechanisms Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are widely sought after for the treatment of different types of cancers. Unfortunately, only 20%–30% patients with cancer respond to ICI treatment. Although the factors that influence the positive or negative response to ICI treatment are poorly understood, the strength of the ICIs' antitumor response by TILs is thought to play a key role. Hence, investigating the antitumor response induced by ICIs might provide insights into their underlying mechanisms.
	Ancient DNA reveals Asian ancestry introduced to East Africa in early modern times While serfs toiled and knights jousted in Europe and samurai and shoguns rose to power in Japan, the medieval peoples of the Swahili civilization on the coast of East Africa lived in multicultural, coral-stone towns and engaged in trade networks spanning the Indian Ocean.
	Patients with multiple tumors in one breast may not need mastectomy, research finds Patients who have multiple tumors in one breast may be able to avoid a mastectomy if the tumors can be removed while leaving enough breast tissue, according to research led by the Alliance in Clinical Trials in Oncology and Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center. Patients would receive breast-conserving therapy: a lumpectomy followed by whole-breast radiation therapy, rather than mastectomy. The study is published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
	Hyperactivity and impulsivity in childhood associated with increased risk of social isolation Research led by the Social, Genetic & Developmental Psychiatry (SGDP) Centre at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN), King's College London, has found that children who show heightened hyperactivity or impulsivity have an increased risk of experiencing social isolation as they get older.
	Researchers associate early life stress with pro-inflammatory processes later in life during pregnancy Women who experienced high stress during childhood and adolescence may have increased risk for inflammation during pregnancy, according to a study by researchers with the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development's Community Child Health Network.
	Scientific evidence supports lifesaving health care for transgender youth, researchers say Since January, lawmakers in more than 30 U.S. states have proposed or enacted legislation to ban or criminalize gender-affirming medical care for adolescents and young adults. A new policy brief, which includes two researchers with the University of Maryland School of Public Health as co-authors, argues that policies that limit access to gender-affirming care ignore scientific evidence and pose a grave threat to the mental health, well-being and futures of transgender youth.
	Study reveals how to reduce frailty in nursing home residents A University of Adelaide led study has defied a common misconception that nursing home residents experience a deterioration in their level of frailty and functional status.
	Analyzing brain signals to categorize different types of depression. A new method of detecting anxious and non-anxious depression using brain signal processing has been developed by biomedical engineers at the University of Surrey.
	NSAIDs vs. acetaminophen: Which over-the-counter medicine should I use? Pain relievers you buy at the store may be one of the first things you reach for when you hurt yourself, have a headache or backache, or feel discomfort due to some other nagging ailment that doesn't require a visit to the doctor. Called over-the-counter (or OTC) treatments, you can get these medicines without a prescription, and they will ease pain, bring down a fever, and treat inflammation, depending on which one you take.
	Genomic study reveals signs of tuberculosis adaptation in ancient Andeans People have inhabited the Andes mountains of South America for more than 9,000 years, adapting to the scarce oxygen available at high altitudes, along with cold temperatures and intense ultraviolet radiation. A new genomic study published in the journal iScience suggests that Indigenous populations in present-day Ecuador also adapted to the tuberculosis bacterium, thousands of years before the arrival of Europeans.
	Evening activity breaks from screen time better for health, shows study. Breaking up long periods of sitting in the evening can result in lower blood sugar and insulin levels in healthy adults, a new University of Otago study has found.
	A tale of probiotics and how to help your own gut microbiome Bacteria have thousands of genes and functions that we, the human host, do not have. For instance, bacteria can help us digest fiber, provide support to our immune systems, and absorb important nutrients. But reaping the benefits of "good bacteria" is easier said than done.
	Young people in Africa should have a say in decisions that affect their health: Seven ways to include them Most of Africa's population—70%—is under 30 years old. In 2017 there were 628 million young people under 25 on the continent. This figure is predicted to reach 945 million by 2050.
	Babesiosis and what you need to know about the 2023 tick season Tick season is underway in much of the U.S. This season, another tick-borne disease is on the list of concerns. That's because the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has found a significant increase in reported cases of babesiosis (bah-beez-E-oh-sis) infection in eastern parts of the U.S.
	Lawmakers want to tighten access to veterinary drug xylazine, often mixed with fentanyl Congressional leaders introduced a bill on Tuesday that would further restrict access to the veterinary drug xylazine, which is now being added to fentanyl powder.
	FDA approves first over-the-counter nasal spray for opioid overdoses The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday approved the over-the-counter use of a nasal spray that can reverse an opioid overdose.
	Flu boosts short-term odds for heart attack 6-fold Getting the flu isn't fun for many reasons, but it can also trigger a heart attack, a new study suggests.
	Too much time online might raise kids' odds for mental health woes: Study Children's screen use could be altering their developing brains as they enter adolescence and increasing their risk for mood disorders, a major new study finds.
	Promising results seen for bimekizumab in hidradenitis suppurativa For patients with moderate-to-severe hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), bimekizumab shows promise in phase 3 trials, according to research presented at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology, held from March 17 to 21 in New Orleans.
	Adverse postoperative outcomes not increased with recent COVID-19 Recent COVID-19 infection seems not to be associated with the risk for adverse postoperative outcomes, according to a research letter published online March 28 in JAMA Network Open.
	High humidity and low temperature altered the spread of COVID-19 in Brazil, but only slightly, shows study Weather has long been known to affect the spread of common colds and flus. Temperature and humidity can influence how viruses fly through the air, how long they remain infectious outside the human body, and how susceptible people are to infections.
	FDA-approved drug shows promise in lab models for childhood blinding disease A National Institutes of Health team has identified a compound already approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration that keeps light-sensitive photoreceptors alive in three models of Leber congenital amaurosis type 10 (LCA 10), an inherited retinal ciliopathy disease that often results in severe visual impairment or blindness in early childhood.
	Severe respiratory infections linked to some congenital cardiovascular defects Experiencing severe respiratory infections during the first trimester of pregnancy triples the risk of some cardiovascular defects at birth, a UNSW Sydney study has found.
	Researchers identify how steroids benefit severe COVID-19 patients In the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, doctors tried a variety of medications to determine what was helpful to prevent the deaths caused by a virus which humans had no natural immunity against.
	Researchers develop new method to make bone marrow transplants safer and more effective A groundbreaking process developed by researchers based in the Roy Blunt NextGen Precision Health Building is offering new hope in the fight against blood cancers, such as lymphoma and leukemia.
	Head-mounted microscope brings unprecedented view of neuronal activity in mice Miniature microscopes attached to the heads of living mice have enabled researchers to gain important insights about the neuronal pathways behind complex behaviors. Now, researchers report a new generation of head-mounted microscopes that achieve a field of view of about four millimeters (mm) in diameter, an order of magnitude larger than previous designs while weighing significantly less.
	Five important things you should have learned in sex ed—but probably didn't If you grew up in the '90s and '00s, you may feel that sex education didn't teach you much of practical value. Most sex education during this time followed a "prevention" approach, focusing on avoiding pregnancy and STIs, with most information largely targeted at heterosexual people.
	It can take nine years to make an OCD diagnosis, say researchers Obsessive compulsive disorder, or OCD, is a misunderstood mental illness despite affecting about one in 50 people—that's about half a million Australians.
	Suicide prevention: Protective factors can build hope and mitigate risks Globally, an estimated 700,000 people take their own life every year—a statistic that underscores the importance of suicide prevention.
	Brains also have supply chain issues—blood flows where it can, and neurons must make do with what they get Neuroscientists have long assumed that neurons are greedy, hungry units that demand more energy when they become more active, and the circulatory system complies by providing as much blood as they require to fuel their activity.
	The world is hooked on junk food: How big companies pull it off It is almost impossible nowadays to listen to the radio, watch TV or scroll through social media without being exposed to an advertisement telling us that all we need for a little happiness and love is a sugary drink or a fast-food snack. There's nothing that a tasty, affordable, ready-made meal cannot fix, we are asked to believe.
	Industries can harm health in many ways: Here are 3 that aren't so obvious A recent ground-breaking series of reports in the science journal The Lancet unpacks what commercial determinants of health are, and how they affect public health. It uses a new, broader definition of the determinants: "the systems, practices and pathways through which commercial actors drive health and equity."
	Physical appearance of video game characters affects girls' body image dissatisfaction, shows study What impact does watching television or playing video games have on body image satisfaction? Does the physical appearance of the characters in series, films and video games have any effect on the self-image of children aged 5 to 9? According to the study Body Satisfaction and Screen Media Usage in Spanish Schoolchildren, conducted by researchers at Pompeu Fabra University (UPF) and the Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC), the answer to this question is yes.
	Rapid genetic testing targets advanced prostate cancer patients for new treatments A rapid genetic testing model for patients with advanced prostate cancer can more quickly identify those with "actionable" gene variants eligible for newer targeted therapies, reports a clinical trial in The Journal of Urology.
	Study: Mediterranean and low fat diet programs lower risk of death and heart attack in patients at risk Mediterranean and low fat dietary programs reduce the likelihood of death and heart attack in patients at heightened risk of cardiovascular disease, finds the first comparative review based on randomized trials of seven popular dietary programs published by The BMJ today.
	Study links transportation noise to higher risk for suicides Mental health disorders affect nearly one billion people worldwide and are a leading cause of suicide. In Switzerland, it is estimated that about 1.4 million people are affected by mental health issues and that approximately 1,000 people take their lives every year. Environmental factors such as air pollution or noise have been linked to adverse health effects such as cardiovascular diseases and general well-being. However, robust evidence on the effects of transportation noise on mental health disorders remains scarce.
	A promising strategy to combat tumor cells by targeting combination of cellular mechanisms After attacking a tumor with a targeted therapy, the cancer might stagger but often comes back fighting—usually even harder to defeat. University of Saskatchewan (USask)-led research has revealed a promising strategy to strike tumor cells and land a knockout blow by choosing the right combination of cellular mechanisms to target together.
	You can find the flow, and scientists can measure it You know when you've found the flow. You experience it when you are doing something that engages you so fully that time seems to fly by. Maybe it's a job, or something completely different, like chess or computer games or football or shoveling snow.
	Personalized gut microbiome analysis for colorectal cancer classification with explainable AI The gut microbiome comprises a complex population of different bacterial species that are essential to human health. In recent years, scientists across several fields have found that changes in the gut microbiome can be linked to a wide variety of diseases, notably colorectal cancer (CRC). Multiple studies have revealed that a higher abundance of certain bacteria, such as Fusobacterium nucleatum and Parvimonas micra, is typically associated with CRC progression.
	An advanced pancreatic cancer model for developing personalized therapies Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), is highly aggressive and lethal. It is the most prevalent type of pancreatic cancer, making up 90% of cases; it also has a high rate of metastasis, with an average five-year survival rate of less than 10%.
	Vegan protein supports muscle building as effectively as animal protein, according to study Fungi-derived mycoprotein is just as effective at supporting muscle building during resistance training as animal protein, according to the findings of a new study from the University of Exeter.
	New study highlights importance of mental health in the safety of automated driving Automated driving is expected to reduce road deaths and cut the carbon footprint. A study published today in the International Journal of Clinical and Health Psychology, involving Prof. Gunther Meinlschmidt of the International Psychoanalytic University (IPU) Berlin, found that 41% of respondents anticipate experiencing symptoms of phobia when using an autonomous car.
	Your pupils reveal how much you want to move to the beat With just one look at your eyes, experts can tell what kind of music you want to move to. The urge to dance becomes greater if you first allow yourself to stomp your feet to the beat.
	Study assesses prevalence, severity, co-occurrence of common symptoms undertreated in cancer patients Managing symptoms improves quality of life. Sleep disturbance, pain, physical function impairment, anxiety, depression, and low energy/fatigue—known collectively as the SPPADE symptoms—are common, co-occurring, and undertreated in cancer patients. A large population study by Regenstrief Institute, Mayo Clinic and Yale University researchers examines the prevalence, severity, and co-occurrence of SPPADE symptoms as well as their association with cancer type and patient characteristics.
	Diabetes researchers discover the potential of CIDEC protein to mitigate obesity-related cardiometabolic disease A team of researchers from Ohio University's Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine has recently discovered a novel role of human-CIDEC gene in improving metabolic dysfunction and cardiovascular health. Their study, "Endothelial-Specific Expression of CIDEC Improves High-Fat Diet-Induced Vascular and Metabolic Dysfunction," published in Diabetes focuses on vascular function and its association with metabolic diseases like insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
	Nearly half of British workers at risk of burnout: survey Nearly half of British workers are at risk of burnout as the cost-of-living crisis adds to anxiety, with work-related stress costing the British economy £28 billion ($34 billion) last year, a study said Wednesday.
	New quitline project helps patients stop smoking A new University of California study shows long-term success when health care providers make electronic referrals (e-referrals) for their patients to California's tobacco quitline. The paper was published today in the journal Nicotine & Tobacco Research.
	Scientists create mouse avatars to treat multiple myeloma An international group of researchers, led by Dr. José Ángel Martínez-Climent at the Cima University of Navarra, has created mouse avatars of patients with multiple myeloma to study and develop personalized treatments against this blood cancer, the second most frequent hematological cancer and incurable in most cases. These artificial mice can mimic the genetic and immunological diversity of the origin and evolution of this disease in patients. This advance will allow researchers to design more effective and personalized therapies for multiple myeloma.
	Bridging the gap: Addressing medical and social needs improves diabetes care and outcomes Nearly one in five American adults has diabetes. But that doesn't mean the common condition is simple to treat or manage. Diabetes and its complications are the No. 1 cause of kidney failure, adult blindness, and lower-limb amputations. It's also the seventh-leading cause of death in the U.S. As with so many chronic conditions, diabetes also disproportionately affects the most vulnerable in our communities, further exacerbating existing health disparities.
	Lung cancer screening rates extremely low, worst among the commercially insured A new study from the Harvey L. Neiman Health Policy Institute found that only 1.8% of eligible Americans with commercial insurance received lung cancer screening. Rates were higher but still extremely low for Original Medicare (3.4%) and Medicare Advantage (4.6%). The study, published in the Journal of the American College of Radiology, determined 2017 screening rates for patients who were eligible for lung cancer screening by low-dose computed tomography (LDCT), as determined United States Preventive Services Task Force guidelines.
	Team discovers novel anti-NET antibodies in a multinational cohort of antiphospholipid syndrome patients Antiphospholipid syndrome is a understudied autoimmune disease that is nevertheless a leading causes of deadly blood clots and late-term pregnancy loss. An international study led by the University of Michigan researchers Ray Zuo, M.D., and Jason Knight, M.D., Ph.D., has discovered a new class of functional autoantibodies in APS patients that contributes to the disease's development and the systemic inflammation it induces.
	Increased use of telehealth services, medications during pandemic associated with reduced risk for fatal overdose The expanded availability of opioid use disorder-related telehealth services and medications during the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with a lowered likelihood of fatal drug overdose among Medicare beneficiaries, according to a new study.
	Clinical presentation of IDDMSSD syndrome likely associated with molecular location of mutation in PAK1 gene A recent study from Texas Children's Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine has expanded the clinical spectrum of a new epileptic disorder called Intellectual Developmental Disorder with Macrocephaly, Seizures, and Speech Delay (IDDMSSD) with the identification of the first recurrently affected residue identified in the protein kinase domain of PAK1 protein.
	How a rogue protein produces 'Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde' cancer cells Melbourne researchers have discovered how a rogue protein produces "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" cancer cells, which could lead to improved treatments for melanoma and other cancers.
	Protein isoforms could serve as novel non-small cell lung cancer biomarkers or therapeutic targets Proteomics is the study and analysis of proteins, including their structures, functions, interactions, and modifications within a biological system. Humans have approximately 20,000 genes that produce over a million different protein variants, including an estimated 100,000 protein isoforms. These protein variants comprise the vast complexity of the proteome that has remained largely unexplored.
	Imaging brain connections can predict improvements in OCD patients after deep brain stimulation Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a promising therapy for treatment-resistant obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). A first-of-its-kind collaborative study led by researchers at Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, and Brigham & Women's Hospital has found that mapping neural connections in the brains of OCD patients offers key insights that explain the observed improvements in their clinical outcomes after DBS. The study was published in Biological Psychiatry.
	Meta-analysis finds strong links between cluster headaches, migraines and circadian rhythm Both cluster headache and migraine have strong links to the circadian system, the internal clock that regulates body processes, according to a meta-analysis published in the March 29, 2023, online issue of Neurology.
	Senescence and extracellular vesicles: Novel partners in vascular amyloidosis A new editorial paper titled "Senescence and extracellular vesicles: novel partners in vascular amyloidosis" has been published in Aging.
	Psychedelics and Cognition: A New Look The synthesis of LSD and psilocybin in the early to mid-20th century sparked not only a new counterculture in the United States but also a new interest in brain science, specifically the role of neurotransmitters. Despite these discoveries, research on psychedelics went dormant for decades due to anti-drug sentiment. A recent renaissance in psychedelic research seeks to understand how these drugs might be leveraged as tools in treating mental illness. While this work has focused largely on mathematical modeling and resting-state neuroimaging, that is now shifting: Cognitive neuroscientists are bringing new rigor to the field, using behavioral and clinical studies to investigate the cognitive effects of psychedelic drugs.
	New technology illuminates bladder cancer detection UC San Diego Health is the first health system in San Diego County to offer a new technology that detects and monitors bladder cancer in both the clinic and operating room settings by using blue light, white light and an imaging dye that makes cancer cells glow florescent pink.
	Hip pain is different in female dancers: Insights from dynamic ultrasound Dancers put unique demands on their hips, achieving extreme ranges of motion that can strain the joints and damage supporting tissues around them. Not surprisingly, hip injuries account for up to 17% of injuries in dancers and 27% among professional dancers.
	When college athletes kill themselves, healing the team becomes the next goal In the weeks after Stanford University soccer goalie Katie Meyer, 22, died by suicide last March, her grieving teammates were inseparable even when not training.
	Novel risk tool IDs those at risk for contrast-associated acute kidney injury A novel risk assessment tool can be used preoperatively to identify patients at risk for contrast-associated acute kidney injury (CA-AKI) after elective endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR), according to a study published online Feb. 28 in the Annals of Vascular Surgery.
	Gun deaths among kids keep rising, but studies show state gun laws can help Following a mass shooting that killed three children and three adults at a private Christian school in Tennessee on Monday, public officials are again talking about how to stop the never-ending cycle of gun violence in the United States.
	How to talk to children about mass shootings Parents may be wondering how to have a conversation with their kids after the horrible news of a shooting at a Tennessee elementary school. This follows multiple shootings on other campuses across the country this year.
	Low vaccination and immunity rates mean NZ faces a harsh whooping cough winter—what needs to happen Following the deaths of two infants, doctors and scientists worry New Zealand's whooping cough epidemic could be the worst in years.
	Opinion: AI in health care challenges us to define what better, people-centered care looks like From faster and more accurate disease diagnosis to models of using health care resources more efficiently, AI promises a new frontier of effective and efficient health care. If it's done right, AI may allow for more people-centered care and for clinicians to spend more time with people, doing the work they enjoy most. But to achieve these aspirations, foundational work must occur in how we operate today and in defining what health care looks like in the future.
WHO urges E. Guinea to report all Marburg cases The World Health Organization urged Equatorial Guinea to report all Marburg virus cases to the WHO, amid fears that transmission may be more widespread than divulged, warning communities need alerting.
	Downregulation of angulin-1/LSR induces malignancy in lung adenocarcinoma A new research paper titled "Downregulation of angulin-1/LSR induces malignancy via upregulation of EGF-dependent claudin-2 and TGF-β-dependent cell metabolism in human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells" has been published in Oncotarget.

Other Sciences news

	A researcher's life's work uncovers first ancient DNA from Swahili civilization A University of South Florida anthropologist has uncovered the first ancient DNA from the Swahili Civilization, which included prosperous trading states along the coast of East Africa dating back to the 7th century.
	The death of open access mega-journals? The entire scientific publishing world is currently undergoing a massive stress test of quantity vs. quality, open access (free) vs. institutional subscriptions (paywall), and how to best judge the integrity of a publication.
	Stereotypes about senior employees can lead to premature retirements Unproductive, inflexible, and less motivated... these are some of the most common stereotypes heard about senior employees. Even though the stereotypes are usually unfounded, they nevertheless influence how senior employees perceive themselves and their status in the workplace. And they thus become a key factor in many senior employees' retirement decisions, conclude University of Copenhagen researchers in a new study published in PLOS ONE.
	Study finds COVID-19 pandemic increased, but also polarized, trust in science Research by the Milner Center for Evolution at the University of Bath, U.K., along with colleagues at Universities of Oxford and Aberdeen, finds that trust in scientists has hugely increased overall since the COVID-19 pandemic, but that attitudes have also become more polarized. The study also found that people were more likely to take the COVID-19 vaccine if their trust in the science had increased.
	Will a robot take my job? Researcher says this view is overly pessimistic With the impact of industrial robots on the U.S. labor markets in the past two decades, and an ever-increasing presence of machine-driven technology (such as artificial intelligence and ChatGPT), many employees have feared that one day robots will take their jobs.
	How women-led nations succeeded during pandemic It took a pandemic to bring positive attention to women's political leadership worldwide.
	The element of surprise: How unexpected syntax makes marketing communications more effective Researchers from Frankfurt School of Finance and Management published a new Journal of Marketing article that examines the role of syntactic surprise in formulating effective written messages.
	It's time to rethink what citizen science really is, say researchers Citizen science is a popular method of gathering data for natural and social scientists, with the number of projects and publications produced growing year by year. A typical citizen science project uses volunteers to gather data that would otherwise be unaffordable or inaccessible.
	Detroiters' views on reparations connected to perception of racial wealth gap, other inequality Detroiters' perceptions of the racial wealth gap, the legacy of slavery and other forms of racial inequity are strongly connected to their support for reparations and policies that address racial inequity.
	'Data project life cycle' approach proposed for preparing students In the age of big data, information is everywhere. But it takes a skilled data interpreter and communicator to help people understand what information means and why it is important. To help ensure future journalists and communicators know how to find, make sense of and share data—and counter misinformation—two University of Kansas researchers have proposed a "data project life cycle" approach to preparing students.
	New study provides potential breakthrough on school bullying Your child comes home from school and tells you three classmates are teasing her constantly. One even put chewed gum in her hair as she was listening to the teacher. The other two smiled, laughed and whooped.
	Corruption episodes haunt democracies for decades, study finds The short-term effects of corruption are often obvious. Numerous sources, both in Russia and in the West, consider the military's endemic corruption one of the main reasons of the logistical problems, very low troop morale, and massive casualties of the Red Army in Ukraine. In late 2016, a corruption scandal cost the first woman elected head of state in an Asian country, South Korea's Park Geun-hye, impeachment.
	Researchers come up with a better way to forecast election results Elections are nail-biting affairs for several reasons, including their seeming lack of predictability. Forecasts of results delivered with great confidence before balloting regularly get upended.
	Why flexible franchises win in financial markets If you've stayed at a brand-name hotel or eaten at a fast food restaurant recently, it's more likely than not that you've supported a franchised company. Franchising is a distribution strategy where a larger company, the franchisor, licenses the rights to its brand, products, and procedures to a smaller establishment, the franchisee, in return for an initial fee and ongoing share of sales revenues.
	How people move in front of an artwork can impact their experience A recent study led by University of Vienna psychologists has shed light on the impact of viewers' movements and positioning when looking at art. By tracking participants' movements, the researchers found that these movements could be clustered into four distinct groups, each associated with different art experiences. The study highlights the importance of considering physical engagement and bodily experience in the components of emotional and cognitive experiences of artworks.
	DACA has not had a negative impact on the US job market, finds study A new study from the University of Delaware refutes a long-held talking point: the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy does not seem to have a negative impact on jobs or income.
	Leonardo da Vinci's mother might have been a slave. Here's what the discovery reveals about Renaissance Europe A recently discovered note, drawn up by Leonardo da Vinci's father, Piero, in November 1452, shows that he emancipated an enslaved woman named Caterina.
	The pressures on mental health and well-being faced by teachers in the UK According to the 2022 Teacher Wellbeing Index—a survey carried out by the charity Education Support—78% of UK school staff reportedly experienced mental health symptoms due to their work in the past academic year. The same survey found that 59% of staff had considered leaving the profession.
	Body language books get it wrong: The truth about reading nonverbal cues Most of us have heard the one about if you cross your arms over your chest you're feeling defensive or if you're fiddling with your hair while talking you feel nervous—but is there really any truth to some of these body language stereotypes?
	What is antisocial behavior? According researcher, no one really knows Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has unveiled plans to crack down on antisocial behavior. The proposals include making offenders wear hi-vis jackets to wash police cars and clean up vandalism, within 48 hours of being served a court order. Offenders may have to do other unpaid work in their local communities.
	Part-time work is valuable to people with disabilities—but full time may be more likely to attract government support Work isn't just about getting paid. Employment can provide a number of benefits for people in terms of health, well-being, social, economic and financial inclusion. It can also reduce reliance on government income supports. Arguably, work is even more important for people with disability, who are more likely to be in lower socioeconomic groups and socially isolated.
	Opinion: Teaching the 'basics' is critical—but what NZ teachers really want are clear guidelines and expectations Anyone watching the debate over the National Party's recent curriculum policy announcement could be forgiven for thinking there is a deep divide in education philosophy and best practice in New Zealand. The truth isn't quite that simple.
	Study of mental health and well-being promotion in Irish workplaces A landmark study of health and well-being promotion in Irish workplaces is published today (March 29), to reveal the first national mental health picture of the impact of the pandemic across Irish workplaces.
	Rare pink diamond worth $35 mn set for auction in New York A rare, vividly rosy-purple diamond, called the Eternal Pink and valued at $35 million, is set to be auctioned off by Sotheby's as part of its Magnificent Jewels sale in New York in June.

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