Cellular activity hints that recycling is in our DNA
Introns are perhaps one of our genome's biggest mysteries. They are DNA sequences that interrupt the sensible protein-coding information in your genes, and need to be 'spliced out.'
Fri, 10 May 2024 16:26:24 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240510162624.htm
Melanoma in darker skin tones
Melanoma, an aggressive form of skin cancer that accounts for 75% of all skin-cancer-related deaths, is often detected later in people with darker skin complexions -- and the consequences can be devastating, a new study reveals.
Fri, 10 May 2024 14:22:42 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240510142242.htm
Clues from deep magma reservoirs could improve volcanic eruption forecasts
New research into molten rock 20km below the Earth's surface could help save lives by improving the prediction of volcanic activity.
Fri, 10 May 2024 14:22:37 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240510142237.htm
Breakthrough in hemostasis and wound healing research
A breakthrough study features a biomedical engineering innovation with the potential to transform trauma care and surgical practices. A scientific research team has developed platelet-like particles that integrate into the body's clotting pathways to stop hemorrhage.
Fri, 10 May 2024 13:50:09 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240510135009.htm
US Navy Growler jet noise over Whidbey Island could impact 74,000 people's health
As often as four days a week, Boeing EA-18G Growler electronic attack aircraft based at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island fly loops overhead as pilots practice touch-and-go landings. The noise is immense. New research shows that the noise isn't just disruptive -- it presents a substantial risk to public health.
Fri, 10 May 2024 13:30:22 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240510133022.htm
ERR-gamma 'trains' stomach stem cells to become acid-producing cells
Researchers have identified molecular and genetic pathways that direct the generation and maturation of parietal cells, the only cells in the body that produce acid, from stem cells. The findings can lead to new strategies to regulate parietal cell function in different diseases involving these cells, including autoimmune gastritis and stomach and esophageal cancers.
Fri, 10 May 2024 11:14:43 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240510111443.htm
AI systems are already skilled at deceiving and manipulating humans
Many artificial intelligence (AI) systems have already learned how to deceive humans, even systems that have been trained to be helpful and honest. Researchers describe the risks of deception by AI systems and call for governments to develop strong regulations to address this issue as soon as possible.
Fri, 10 May 2024 11:14:40 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240510111440.htm
Rolling with the punches: How mantis shrimp defend against high-speed strikes
Mantis shrimp are small creatures known for their superlatives. Their eyes have 12 to 16 different color receptors, versus our own three, and can detect the polarization of light. Their punches are famously fast, accelerating on par with a 22-caliber bullet. They use these strikes on prey, predators and competitors alike.
Fri, 10 May 2024 11:14:37 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240510111437.htm
Stem cells: A new mechanical transducer
Scientists reveal how ETV4 controls stem cell differentiation in response to mechanical cues.
Fri, 10 May 2024 11:14:34 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240510111434.htm
ONe novae stellar explosion may be source of our phosphorus
Astronomers have proposed a new theory to explain the origin of phosphorus, one of the elements important for life on Earth. The theory suggests a type of stellar explosion known as ONe novae as a major source of phosphorus.
Fri, 10 May 2024 11:14:31 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240510111431.htm
Blockchain could offer a solution to the UK's transport ticketing systems
A new approach to transport ticketing offers a step towards an integrated, transparent system that works efficiently for both ticket providers and passengers across all modes of transport.
Fri, 10 May 2024 11:14:20 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240510111420.htm
AI knowledge gets your foot in the door
Employers are significantly more likely to offer job interviews and higher salaries to graduates with experience of artificial intelligence, according to new research.
Fri, 10 May 2024 11:14:17 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240510111417.htm
Metabolism of autism reveals developmental origins
Researchers have shed new light on the changes in metabolism that occur between birth and the presentation of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) later in childhood. The researchers discovered that a small number of biochemical pathways are responsible for the majority of these changes, which could help inform new early detection and prevention strategies for autism.
Fri, 10 May 2024 11:14:12 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240510111412.htm
How the brain is flexible enough for a complex world (without being thrown into chaos)
Many neurons exhibit 'mixed selectivity,' meaning they can integrate multiple inputs and participate in multiple computations. Mechanisms such as oscillations and neuromodulators recruit their participation and tune them to focus on the relevant information.
Fri, 10 May 2024 11:14:09 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240510111409.htm
New tool to boost battle against childhood undernutrition
The tool will help researchers better understand major challenges that afflict undernourished children, such as changes in cognitive development and higher infection rates.
Fri, 10 May 2024 11:14:01 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240510111401.htm
Transforming common soft magnets into a next-generation thermoelectric conversion materials by 3 minutes heat treatment
A research team has demonstrated that an iron-based amorphous alloy, widely used as a soft magnetic material in transformers and motors, can be transformed into a 'transverse' thermoelectric conversion material that converts electric and thermal currents in orthogonal directions, with just a short period of heat treatment. This is the first example that highlights the importance of microstructure engineering in the development of transverse thermoelectric conversion materials, and provides new design guidelines for materials development to realize environmentally friendly power generation and thermal management technologies using magnetic materials.
Thu, 09 May 2024 18:08:31 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240509180831.htm
GPS-like system shows promise as HIV vaccine strategy to elicit critical antibodies
A team has developed a vaccine approach that works like a GPS, guiding the immune system through the specific steps to make broadly neutralizing antibodies against HIV.
Thu, 09 May 2024 17:02:44 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240509170244.htm
Discrimination may accelerate aging
Discrimination may speed up the biological processes of aging, according to a new study.
Thu, 09 May 2024 17:02:41 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240509170241.htm
Good vibrations: New tech may lead to smaller, more powerful wireless devices
What if your earbuds could do everything your smartphone can, but better? A new class of synthetic materials could allow for smaller devices that use less power.
Thu, 09 May 2024 17:02:38 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240509170238.htm
'Smart' contact lenses could someday enable wireless glaucoma detection
Most people with early-stage glaucoma don't know they have it, even though early treatment is key to reducing vision loss. While detecting a subtle increase in eye pressure helps doctors to diagnose glaucoma, it's challenging to monitor continuously, especially with the variety of temperatures eyes experience. Now, researchers report a prototype 'smart' contact lens that measures eye pressure accurately, regardless of temperature.
Thu, 09 May 2024 15:55:38 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240509155538.htm
New machine learning algorithm promises advances in computing
Systems controlled by next-generation computing algorithms could give rise to better and more efficient machine learning products, a new study suggests.
Thu, 09 May 2024 15:55:36 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240509155536.htm
New 'forever chemical' cleanup strategy discovered
A method has been discovered to treat water heavily contaminated with unhealthful forever chemicals, known by chemists as PFAS or poly- and per-fluoroalkyl substances. It involves treating heavily contaminated water with ultraviolet (UV) light, sulfite, and a process called electrochemical oxidation. It breaks up strong fluorine-to-carbon bonds in the PFAS compounds and other concentrated organic compounds in heavily polluted water. The reaction also occurs at room temperature without a need for additional heat or high pressure. This method is expected to be useful in cleanups of PFAS pollution from decades of fire suppressant foam use at military facilities.
Thu, 09 May 2024 15:55:33 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240509155533.htm
Squeezed by neighbors, planet glows with molten lava
Astrophysicists discovered that an exoplanet is covered with so many active volcanoes that seen from a distance it would take on a fiery, glowing-red hue.
Thu, 09 May 2024 15:55:28 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240509155528.htm
Transformation of ocean management is underway
Despite its benefits and recognition as a keystone practice of ocean stewardship and conservation, adoption of ecosystem-based management has been slow to take hold. To support this change in ocean management, a group of researchers and practitioners investigated the global progress of marine EBM initiatives.
Thu, 09 May 2024 15:55:25 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240509155525.htm
How climate change will affect malaria transmission
A new model for predicting the effects of climate change on malaria transmission in Africa could lead to more targeted interventions to control the disease according to a new study. Previous methods have used rainfall totals to indicate the presence of surface water suitable for breeding mosquitoes, but the new research used several climatic and hydrological models to include real-world processes of evaporation, infiltration and flow through rivers. This groundbreaking approach has created a more in-depth picture of malaria-friendly conditions on the African continent.
Thu, 09 May 2024 15:55:16 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240509155516.htm
Manganese sprinkled with iridium: a quantum leap in green hydrogen production
Researchers report a new method that reduces the amount of iridium needed to produce hydrogen from water by 95%, without altering the rate of hydrogen production. This breakthrough could revolutionize our ability to produce ecologically friendly hydrogen and help usher in a carbon-neutral hydrogen economy.
Thu, 09 May 2024 15:55:05 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240509155505.htm
A fragment of human brain, mapped in exquisite detail
Researchers have created the largest synaptic-resolution, 3D reconstruction of a piece of human brain to date, showing in vivid detail each cell and its web of neural connections in a piece of human temporal cortex about half the size of a rice grain.
Thu, 09 May 2024 15:55:03 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240509155503.htm
Ocean biodiversity work needs improvement
An international collaboration says the world's largest marine protected areas aren't collectively delivering the biodiversity benefits they could be because of slow implementation of management strategies and a failure to restrict the most impactful human activities.
Thu, 09 May 2024 12:47:40 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240509124740.htm
Take cover! Survey shows tornado warnings widely misunderstood
A study showed that about half of those surveyed in the mid-South could not accurately identify a tornado warning.
Thu, 09 May 2024 12:47:37 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240509124737.htm
New treatment could reverse hair loss caused by an autoimmune skin disease
Researchers developed a potential new treatment for alopecia areata, an autoimmune disorder that causes hair loss. The microneedle patch delivers immune-regulating molecules that can teach T cells not to attack hair follicles, helping hair regrow.
Thu, 09 May 2024 12:47:34 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240509124734.htm
An entirely new COVID-related syndrome
An international collaboration recently uncovered a previously overlooked COVID-related syndrome: MDA5-autoimmunity and Interstitial Pneumonitis Contemporaneous with COVID-19, or MIP-C for short.
Thu, 09 May 2024 12:47:24 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240509124724.htm
Improved wildfire smoke model identifies areas for public health intervention
The Canadian wildfires of June 2023 exposed a large portion of the Northeastern United States to unprecedented levels of smoke. A new model that combines wildfire smoke forecasts and data from ground-based sensors may help public health officials plan targeted interventions in areas most at risk for the negative health effects of unexpected smoke events and air pollution, according to scientists.
Thu, 09 May 2024 12:47:22 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240509124722.htm
A better way to control shape-shifting soft robots
A new machine-learning technique can train and control a reconfigurable soft robot that can dynamically change its shape to complete a task. The researchers also built a simulator that can evaluate control algorithms for shape-shifting soft robots.
Thu, 09 May 2024 12:47:16 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240509124716.htm
New Rhizobia-diatom symbiosis solves long-standing marine mystery
Scientists have discovered a new partnership between a marine diatom and a bacterium that can account for a large share of nitrogen fixation in vast regions of the ocean. The newly-discovered bacterial symbiont is closely related to the nitrogen-fixing Rhizobia which live in partnership with many crop plants and may open up new avenues to engineer nitrogen-fixing plants.
Thu, 09 May 2024 12:47:08 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240509124708.htm
High school student helps transform 'crazy idea' into innovative research tool
A 'crazy idea' hatched during a walk in the woods and first tested by a high school student is now an innovative research tool used by scientists worldwide to predict neurotransmitters in fruit fly connectomes.
Thu, 09 May 2024 12:47:03 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240509124703.htm
New sex-determining mechanism in African butterfly discovered
In a study of a species of African butterfly, researchers have discovered a previously undescribed molecular mechanism of how the sex of an embryo is initially specified.
Thu, 09 May 2024 11:09:14 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240509110914.htm
How night shift work can raise risk of diabetes, obesity
Just a few days on a night shift schedule throws off protein rhythms related to blood glucose regulation, energy metabolism and inflammation, processes that can influence the development of chronic metabolic conditions. The finding provides new clues as to why night shift workers are more prone to diabetes, obesity and other metabolic disorders. Though more research is needed, the researchers said the study shows that these disrupted rhythms can be seen in as little as three days, which suggests early intervention to prevent diabetes and obesity is possible. Such intervention could also help lower the risk of heart disease and stroke, which is elevated in night shift workers as well.
Thu, 09 May 2024 11:09:08 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240509110908.htm
Liberals and conservatives differ on climate change beliefs -- but are relatively united in taking action
The division between liberals and conservatives on both climate-change beliefs and related policy support is long-standing. However, the results of a newly released global experiment show that despite these differences, the two camps actually align when it comes to taking certain actions to combat climate change.
Thu, 09 May 2024 11:09:00 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240509110900.htm
2D all-organic perovskites: potential use in 2D electronics
Perovskites are among the most researched topics in materials science. Recently, a research team has solved an age-old challenge to synthesize all-organic two-dimensional perovskites, extending the field into the exciting realm of 2D materials. This breakthrough opens up a new field of 2D all-organic perovskites, which holds promise for both fundamental science and potential applications.
Thu, 09 May 2024 11:08:57 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240509110857.htm
Researchers harness blurred light to 3D print high quality optical components
Researchers have developed a new 3D printing method called blurred tomography that can rapidly produce microlenses with commercial-level optical quality. The new method may make it easier and faster to design and fabricate a variety of optical devices.
Thu, 09 May 2024 11:08:55 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240509110855.htm
AI advancements make the leap into 3D pathology possible
Researchers present Tripath: new, deep learning models that can use 3D pathology datasets to make clinical outcome predictions. The research team imaged curated prostate cancer specimens, using two 3D high-resolution imaging techniques. The models were then trained to predict prostate cancer recurrence risk on volumetric human tissue biopsies. By comprehensively capturing 3D morphologies from the entire tissue volume, Tripath performed better than pathologists and outperformed deep learning models that rely on 2D morphology and thin tissue slices.
Thu, 09 May 2024 11:08:49 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240509110849.htm
Net zero plans show limited climate ambition on 'residual' emissions
New research reveals what countries think will be their most difficult to decarbonize sectors when they reach net zero, with agriculture expected to be responsible for the largest remaining emissions.
Thu, 09 May 2024 11:08:46 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240509110846.htm
Robotic system feeds people with severe mobility limitations
Researchers have developed a robotic feeding system that uses computer vision, machine learning and multimodal sensing to safely feed people with severe mobility limitations, including those with spinal cord injuries, cerebral palsy and multiple sclerosis.
Thu, 09 May 2024 11:08:28 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240509110828.htm
Study shows heightened sensitivity to PTSD in autism
A new study shows that a mild stress is enough to trigger post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in mouse models of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Researchers demonstrated that the two disorders share a reciprocal relationship, identifying a predisposition to PTSD in ASD, and discovering that core autism traits are worsened when traumatic memories are formed.
Thu, 09 May 2024 11:08:25 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240509110825.htm
Generative AI that imitates human motion
Walking and running is notoriously difficult to recreate in robots. Now, a group of researchers has overcome some of these challenges by creating an innovative method that employs central pattern generators -- neural circuits located in the spinal cord that generate rhythmic patterns of muscle activity -- with deep reinforcement learning. The method not only imitates walking and running motions but also generates movements for frequencies where motion data is absent, enables smooth transition movements from walking to running, and allows for adapting to environments with unstable surfaces.
Thu, 09 May 2024 11:08:22 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240509110822.htm
Rapid oyster reef restoration gives hope for repairing the sea
After a century of functional extinction on the Australian mainland, a Flat oyster reef has been successfully restored along a metropolitan Adelaide coastline.
Thu, 09 May 2024 11:08:19 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240509110819.htm
Getting dirty to clean up the chemical industry's environmental impact
The global chemical industry is a major fossil fuel consumer and climate change contributor; however, new research has identified how the sector could clean up its green credentials by getting dirty.
Thu, 09 May 2024 11:08:17 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240509110817.htm
Saturated soils could impact survival of young trees planted to address climate change
New research has looked into the potential effects of increased rainfall in regions being earmarked for expansion of temperate rainforests. Amid global calls for more trees to be planted as part of efforts to combat climate change, this study highlights the importance of factoring in soil conditions when looking at where and how to create the temperate rainforests of the future.
Thu, 09 May 2024 11:08:14 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240509110814.htm
Discover optimal conditions for mass production of ultraviolet holograms
Scientists delve into the composition of nanocomposites for ultraviolet metasurface fabrication.
Thu, 09 May 2024 11:08:01 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240509110801.htm
Astrophysicists discover a novel method for hunting the first stars
A recent study has discovered a novel method for detecting the first-generations stars, known as Population III (Pop III) stars, which have never been directly detected. These potential discoveries about Pop III stars hold the promise of unlocking the secrets of the universe's origin and providing a deeper understanding of the remarkable journey from the primordial cosmos to the world we inhabit today.
Thu, 09 May 2024 11:07:53 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240509110753.htm
Brain mechanisms underlying sensory hypersensitivity in a mouse model of autism spectrum disorder
A research team has identified the primary cause of sensory hypersensitivity in a mouse model of autism spectrum disorders (ASD).
Thu, 09 May 2024 11:07:50 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240509110750.htm
Fluidic systems resembling blood vascular tissues: Artificial blood vessels and biomedicine
Nature has consistently inspired engineering applications. Recently, a group of researchers drew new inspirations from the vascular network and developed a new type of fluidic system named VasFluidics.
Thu, 09 May 2024 11:07:48 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240509110748.htm
An epigenome editing toolkit to dissect the mechanisms of gene regulation
A recent study led to the development of a powerful epigenetic editing technology. The system unlocks the ability to precisely program chromatin modifications at any specific position in the genome, to understand their causal role in transcription regulation. This innovative approach will help to investigate the role of chromatin modifications in many biological processes, and to program desired gene activity responses, which may prove useful in disease settings.
Thu, 09 May 2024 11:07:42 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240509110742.htm
How biological aging clocks tick
Aging clocks can measure the biological age of humans with high precision. Biological age can be influenced by environmental factors such as smoking or diet, thus deviating from the chronological age that is calculated using the date of birth. The precision of these aging clocks suggests that the aging process follows a program. Scientists have now discovered that aging clocks actually measure the increase in stochastic changes in cells.
Thu, 09 May 2024 11:07:40 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240509110740.htm
'Digital afterlife': Call for safeguards to prevent unwanted 'hauntings' by AI chatbots of dead loved ones
Researchers lay out the need for design safety protocols that prevent the emerging 'digital afterlife industry' causing social and psychological harm.
Wed, 08 May 2024 20:14:08 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240508201408.htm
Who should receive preventive treatment for TB? Individuals of all ages with positive skin or blood test
Researcher found that exposed individuals with confirmed TB infection -- i.e. a positive skin or blood test -- should receive priority treatment in settings with a low prevalence of the disease, regardless of their age. However, in high-burden settings, all exposed individuals should be considered for preventative treatment, even without a confirmed infection. This strategy can help end the tuberculosis epidemic and support global public health efforts to reduce TB mortality by 95 percent by 2035 (from 2015 estimates).
Wed, 08 May 2024 19:04:18 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240508190418.htm
Chemists produce new-to-nature enzyme containing boron
Chemists created an enzyme with boronic acid at its reactive center. This approach can produce more selective reactions with boron, and allows the use of directed evolution to improve its catalytic power.
Wed, 08 May 2024 17:12:13 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240508171213.htm
Neuropathy very common, underdiagnosed
Neuropathy, the nerve damage that causes pain and numbness in the feet and hands and can eventually lead to falls, infection and even amputation, is very common and underdiagnosed, according to a new study.
Wed, 08 May 2024 16:13:16 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240508161316.htm
New insight into genesis of spina bifida
Spina bifida is the most common structural disorder of the human nervous system. The causes are largely unknown, but a new study points to a link involving a chromosomal microdeletion -- and also underscores the value of folic acid as a preventive measure.
Wed, 08 May 2024 14:07:29 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240508140729.htm
'Wraparound' implants represent new approach to treating spinal cord injuries
A tiny, flexible electronic device that wraps around the spinal cord could represent a new approach to the treatment of spinal injuries, which can cause profound disability and paralysis. A team of engineers, neuroscientists and surgeons developed the devices and used them to record the nerve signals going back and forth between the brain and the spinal cord. Unlike current approaches, the new devices can record 360-degree information, giving a complete picture of spinal cord activity.
Wed, 08 May 2024 14:06:47 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/05/240508140647.htm
