ScienceDaily: Latest Science News


California's trees are dying, and might not be coming back

Posted: 14 Jul 2022 02:55 PM PDT

The State of California is banking on its forests to help reduce planet-warming carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. But that element of the state's climate-change solution arsenal may be in jeopardy, as new research reports that trees in California's mountain ranges and open spaces are dying from wildfires and other pressures -- and fewer new trees are filling the void.

Music-making and the flow of aerosols

Posted: 14 Jul 2022 01:58 PM PDT

If simply breathing can spread the SARS-CoV-2 virus to others nearby, what about blowing into a tuba? Researchers used fluid mechanics to study the movement of aerosols generated by professional musicians.

Bacteria in donor organs complicate immune response after transplantation

Posted: 14 Jul 2022 11:51 AM PDT

Organ transplant recipients take life-long immunosuppressive drugs to prevent their bodies from mounting an immune response against the donated organ, yet a substantial number of them still reject the organs. A new study shows that transplant recipients also mount an immune response against commensal bacteria in the organ graft, adding to the immune response against the genetic makeup of the tissue and reducing the effectiveness of immunosuppressive drugs.

Using AI to diagnose birth defect in fetal ultrasound images

Posted: 14 Jul 2022 11:51 AM PDT

In a new proof-of-concept study researchers are pioneering the use of a unique Artificial Intelligence-based deep learning model as an assistive tool for the rapid and accurate reading of ultrasound images.

Geological activity can rapidly change deep microbial communities

Posted: 14 Jul 2022 11:51 AM PDT

New research reveals that, rather than being influenced only by environmental conditions, deep subsurface microbial communities can transform because of geological movements. The findings advance our understanding of subsurface microorganisms, which comprise up to half of all living material on the planet.

Moderate drinking linked to brain changes and cognitive decline

Posted: 14 Jul 2022 11:51 AM PDT

Consumption of seven or more units of alcohol per week is associated with higher iron levels in the brain, according to a study of almost 21,000 people. Iron accumulation in the brain has been linked with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases and is a potential mechanism for alcohol-related cognitive decline.

Research probes how people control unwanted thoughts

Posted: 14 Jul 2022 11:51 AM PDT

When trying to avoid an unwanted thought, people often reactively reject and replace the thought after it occurs. But proactively avoiding an association in the first place can be much more efficient, and help prevent the repetitive looping of unwanted thoughts, according to a new study.

Loss of male sex chromosome leads to earlier death for men

Posted: 14 Jul 2022 11:51 AM PDT

The loss of the male sex chromosome as many men age causes the heart muscle to scar and can lead to deadly heart failure, new research shows. The finding may help explain why men die, on average, several years younger than women.

Scientists find primitive blueprint for embryo cell creation

Posted: 14 Jul 2022 11:51 AM PDT

A groundbreaking study has uncovered 14,000 unique sites in DNA that together form the most elementary blueprint for embryogenesis -- the creation of embryos.

Women already live longer. They can live better with an improved diet

Posted: 14 Jul 2022 11:51 AM PDT

Women tend to live longer than men but typically have higher rates of illness. Now, new research suggests these higher rates of illness can be improved by a better diet, one that is high in pigmented carotenoids such as yams, kale, spinach, watermelon, bell peppers, tomatoes, oranges and carrots.

Neutrino factories in deep outer space

Posted: 14 Jul 2022 11:51 AM PDT

Highly energetic and difficult to detect, neutrinos travel billions of light years before reaching our planet. Although it is known that these elementary particles come from the depths of our Universe, their precise origin is still unknown. Researchers are now shedding light on one aspect of this mystery: neutrinos are thought to be born in blazars, galactic nuclei fed by supermassive black holes.

Researchers learn to control electron spin at room temperature to make devices more efficient and faster

Posted: 14 Jul 2022 11:51 AM PDT

As our devices become smaller, faster, more energy efficient, and capable of holding larger amounts of data, spintronics may continue that trajectory. Whereas electronics is based on the flow of electrons, spintronics is based on the spin of electrons.

Most complex protein knots

Posted: 14 Jul 2022 11:51 AM PDT

Theoretical physicists put Google's artificial intelligence AlphaFold to the test and find the most complex protein knots so far.

People with low BMI aren't more active, they are just less hungry and 'run hotter'

Posted: 14 Jul 2022 11:50 AM PDT

To date most research on obesity has focused on studying those with a high body mass index (BMI), but a research group is now taking a different approach. The scientists looked at individuals with a very low BMI. Their findings reveal that these individuals are actually considerably less active than people with a BMI in the normal range, contrary to speculation that they have a metabolism that makes them naturally more active. Additionally, they eat less food than those with a normal BMI.

DNA from ancient population in Southern China suggests Native Americans' East Asian roots

Posted: 14 Jul 2022 11:50 AM PDT

For the first time, researchers successfully sequenced the genome of ancient human fossils from the Late Pleistocene in southern China. The data suggests that the mysterious hominin belonged to an extinct maternal branch of modern humans that might have contributed to the origin of Native Americans.

'Life-like' lasers can self-organize, adapt their structure, and cooperate

Posted: 14 Jul 2022 11:50 AM PDT

By mimicking features of living systems, self-organizing lasers could lead to new materials for sensing, computing, light sources and displays.

Trade deals and changing diets key influencers in securing nutrient rich food

Posted: 14 Jul 2022 11:50 AM PDT

Research shows future choices about trade, diet and climate change will be crucial in securing micronutrient food supplies for the UK.

Eco-friendly sound absorbers from seaweed

Posted: 14 Jul 2022 11:50 AM PDT

From airplanes to apartments, most spaces are now designed with sound-absorbing materials that help dampen the droning, echoing and murmuring sounds of everyday life. But most of the acoustic materials that can cancel out human voices, traffic and music are made from plastic foams that aren't easily recycled or degraded. Now, researchers have created a biodegradable seaweed-derived film that effectively absorbs sounds in this range.

Woodpeckers' heads act more like stiff hammers than safety helmets

Posted: 14 Jul 2022 11:50 AM PDT

Scientists had long wondered how woodpeckers can repeatedly pound their beaks against tree trunks without doing damage to their brains. This led to the notion that their skulls must act like shock-absorbing helmets. Now, researchers have refuted this notion, saying that their heads act more like stiff hammers. In fact, their calculations show that any shock absorbance would hinder the woodpeckers' pecking abilities.

North American birds not fully adjusting to changing climate

Posted: 14 Jul 2022 11:50 AM PDT

Some species of birds in North America have not fully adjusted their distributions in response to ongoing climate change. The places these birds live have become more decoupled from their optimal climate conditions, while other features of the environment become more constraining. This trend of climate decoupling is more pronounced for habitat specialists and for species declining in abundance.

Researchers discover DNA copy number alterations lead to changes in RNA circuits that impact melanoma metastasis

Posted: 14 Jul 2022 11:50 AM PDT

Most cancer research and available anticancer drugs focus on the impact of DNA and protein alterations that contribute to cancer; however, it is now understood that RNA molecules can also both positively and negatively impact the development of cancer. Researchers now describe how RNA molecules promote the development of melanoma metastasis by impacting anti-tumor microRNA.

Scientists develop new method and device to isolate single cells using electric fields

Posted: 14 Jul 2022 11:50 AM PDT

A new process, which is more effective and efficient than conventional methods, has the potential to significantly impact cancer diagnostics as well as other fields of research.

A type of 'step therapy' is an effective strategy for diabetic eye disease

Posted: 14 Jul 2022 11:50 AM PDT

Clinical trial results suggest that a step strategy, in which patients with diabetic macular edema start with a less expensive medicine and switch to a more expensive medicine if vision does not improve sufficiently, gives results similar to starting off with the higher-priced drug.

Could eating fruit more often keep depression at bay?

Posted: 14 Jul 2022 11:50 AM PDT

A study surveyed 428 adults and looked at the relationship between their consumption of fruit, vegetables, sweet and savoury food snacks and their psychological health. The more often people ate fruit, the lower they scored for depression and the higher for mental wellbeing.

Coastal glacier retreat linked to climate change

Posted: 14 Jul 2022 11:50 AM PDT

The world's coastal glaciers are melting faster than ever. New research gives scientists a way to unravel the causes of glacial retreat, and in turn, reveal how much can be attributed to human-caused climate change. Attributing the human role for coastal glaciers -- which melt directly into the sea -- could pave the way to better predictions about sea level rise.

Novel model of fluid distribution in the Cascadia Subduction Zone aids understanding of seismic activity

Posted: 14 Jul 2022 11:50 AM PDT

A novel three-dimensional model of the fluid stored deep in Earth's crust along the Cascadia Subduction Zone provides new insight into how the accumulation and release of those fluids may influence seismic activity in the region.

As globe warms, infected pines starve and disease-causing fungi thrive

Posted: 14 Jul 2022 11:50 AM PDT

The high heat and low water conditions produced by global warming weaken pine trees' resistance to disease by hindering their ability to mount an effective defense at the same time that pathogenic fungi in their tissues become more aggressive, new research suggests.

Nanotube-embedded coating detects threats from wear and tear in large structures

Posted: 14 Jul 2022 11:50 AM PDT

Carbon nanotubes' natural fluorescence enables a method to detect high strain concentrations that can lead to damage threatening the integrity of critical infrastructure like aircraft, buildings, pipelines, bridges and ships.

Simple skin biopsy can assess tissue damage related to COVID-19

Posted: 14 Jul 2022 11:50 AM PDT

A minimally invasive test was able to identify pathology in patients at different stages of disease and potentially enable earlier intervention, researchers report.

Brentuximab vedotin may improve overall survival in patients with Hodgkin Lymphoma

Posted: 14 Jul 2022 11:49 AM PDT

A study has found that the addition of brentuximab vedotin to standard chemotherapy treatment improves overall survival in patients with Hodgkin Lymphoma, when compared to the current standard of chemotherapy alone.

Individualized eating program helps dieters lose weight, keep it off

Posted: 14 Jul 2022 11:49 AM PDT

iDip, an individualized diet program, uses a unique visual tool that helps dieters choose foods that limit their daily calories while consuming adequate amounts of protein and fiber. Now in its third clinical trial, the program shows promise at helping people lose weight and keep it off.

A new peptide system for the targeted transport of molecules into living mammalian cells

Posted: 14 Jul 2022 11:43 AM PDT

Scientists have developed a novel peptide suitable for the targeted transport of molecules -- for example, active substances and dyes -- into the cells of mammals.

Established drug for symptoms of angina pectoris also protects vascular system, study finds

Posted: 14 Jul 2022 07:30 AM PDT

A drug used in the clinical treatment of angina symptoms also has an anti-inflammatory effect and reduces atherosclerotic plaques in blood vessels -- thereby reducing the risk of heart attack or stroke, according to a new study.

Changes in protein structure and assembly with fluoride nanoparticles and coexisting ions

Posted: 14 Jul 2022 07:30 AM PDT

Scientists demonstrate the influence of nanoparticles and surrounding ions on the formation of beta-sheet structure in amyloid beta proteins.

Photovoltaics: Fully scalable all-perovskite tandem solar modules

Posted: 14 Jul 2022 07:30 AM PDT

Optimized light paths, high-throughput laser scribing and the use of established coating processes paves the way to commercial viability.

Stress transmitter wakes your brain more than 100 times a night -- and it is perfectly normal

Posted: 14 Jul 2022 07:30 AM PDT

You may think that a good night's sleep should be uninterrupted. But in fact, the neurotransmitter noradrenaline causes you to wake up more than 100 times a night, new research concludes. It is perfectly normal and may even indicate that you have slept well.

A brain network for social attraction

Posted: 14 Jul 2022 07:30 AM PDT

How does an animal's brain recognize other animals of its own kind? Scientists studying this process in young zebrafish have now discovered a neuronal circuit that mediates social attraction. This specialized pathway, which runs from the retina deep into the brain, enables zebrafish to detect and approach nearby conspecifics.

Waves in the maze of no return: Anti-reflective structure for perfect transmission

Posted: 14 Jul 2022 07:30 AM PDT

Researchers have developed a surprising method to eliminate wave reflections. The method allows the calculation of a tailor-made anti-reflective structure. It can be used, for example, to design an additional layer to a wall that is only partially permeable to a wireless signal so that the entire signal can be channeled through the wall without reflections.

Risk factors in adults with cardiovascular disease are worsening over time despite advances in secondary prevention, study shows

Posted: 14 Jul 2022 07:29 AM PDT

In an analysis of medical information of more than 6,000 American adults with a history of cardiovascular disease (CVD), researchers conclude that CVD risk 'profiles' in secondary prevention have failed to improve over the last two decades.

Action of drug compounds in tissue revealed by new technique

Posted: 14 Jul 2022 06:51 AM PDT

A new technique that can analyze how drug molecules bind to proteins in tissue samples could offer an improved route to drug discovery and development.

Researchers create highly accurate non-invasive test for major liver diseases

Posted: 14 Jul 2022 06:51 AM PDT

Researchers have created a liquid biopsy test, which uses two circulating proteins, to test for major liver diseases. The test was found to be highly accurate, sensitive, and specific for both NASH and liver fibrosis.

Professional soccer players fought fatigue for six weeks after COVID infection, study finds

Posted: 14 Jul 2022 06:51 AM PDT

Matchday performance of professional soccer players dropped after recovering from COVID-19 with three quarters fighting fatigue for six weeks, a study has found.

C. difficile drives some colorectal cancers, study suggests

Posted: 14 Jul 2022 06:11 AM PDT

Data suggest that Clostridioides difficile, or C. diff, a bacterial species well known for causing serious diarrheal infections, may also drive colorectal cancer.

Virtual reality app trial shown to reduce common phobias

Posted: 14 Jul 2022 06:11 AM PDT

The trial studied phobia patients using a headset and a smartphone app treatment programme -- a combination of Virtual Reality (VR) 360-degree video exposure therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).

Genetic discovery to improve lung cancer treatment

Posted: 14 Jul 2022 06:11 AM PDT

Treatment for lung cancer has improved in recent years, and a new study has found how to make it even more effective for all patients.

Researchers capture the first example of an extremely bright, and fast-evolving astronomical event in the distant universe

Posted: 14 Jul 2022 06:11 AM PDT

Astronomers have discovered a mysterious short-duration astronomical event that was as bright as a superluminous supernova, but evolving much faster.

Consumer product-related traumatic brain injury in children has increased significantly since 2000, study finds

Posted: 14 Jul 2022 06:11 AM PDT

New research investigates consumer product-related traumatic brain injuries (CP-TBI) among school-aged children for a 20-year period by differentiating age groups, levels of education, and gender and evaluating trends with the time-point regression method. Their findings reveal insights that have implications for effective preventive strategies and policies.

Take the burn out of sunscreen testing: Experts

Posted: 14 Jul 2022 06:11 AM PDT

Exposing humans to ultraviolet radiation to test sunscreen effectiveness should be phased out, according to scientists and cancer experts.

For people with heart defects, mental health support is essential to care at every age

Posted: 14 Jul 2022 06:10 AM PDT

Resilience and a high quality of life are demonstrated by many individuals born with heart defects; however, they may face a range of health-related psychological and social challenges throughout their lives. A new scientific statement reviews potential psychological and social challenges that occur from infancy through adulthood among people born with heart defects and the types of mental health care that may be beneficial. The statement advocates for mental health professionals to be integrated within interdisciplinary teams that provide medical care to children and adults with congenital heart defects, which is more common in cancer care than cardiac care.

Where and when violent crime rates fall, heart disease deaths fall, too

Posted: 14 Jul 2022 06:10 AM PDT

A new study of data from Chicago found that the neighborhoods where violent crime fell the most, cardiovascular disease mortality fell sharply, too

Not enough men in their 40s are getting screened for diabetes, study finds

Posted: 14 Jul 2022 06:10 AM PDT

Not enough men in Alberta, Canada -- especially those in their 40s -- are getting tested for diabetes, putting them at risk for heart disease, cancer and other complications, according to new population health research.

Hidden consciousness detected with EEG predicts recovery of unresponsive patients

Posted: 13 Jul 2022 05:13 PM PDT

Using EEG to identify covert consciousness in unresponsive brain-injured patients could help predict which ones may recover, researchers have found.

Machine learning identifies gun purchasers at risk of suicide

Posted: 13 Jul 2022 05:13 PM PDT

A first-of-its-kind study from the Violence Prevention Research Program at UC Davis shows an algorithm can forecast the likelihood of firearm suicide using handgun purchasing data.

Scientists pinpoint reason why women may not respond to depression treatments the same as men

Posted: 13 Jul 2022 12:42 PM PDT

Previous analyses within the nucleus accumbens showed that different genes were turned on or off in women, but not in men diagnosed with depression. These changes could have caused symptoms of depression, or alternatively, the experience of being depressed could have changed the brain -- a clue to why anti-depressants had not been successful for some women.

Researchers use quantum-inspired approach to increase lidar resolution

Posted: 13 Jul 2022 12:42 PM PDT

Researchers have shown that a quantum-inspired technique can be used to perform lidar imaging with a much higher depth resolution than is possible with conventional approaches. Lidar, which uses laser pulses to acquire 3D information about a scene or object, is usually best suited for imaging large objects such as topographical features or built structures due to its limited depth resolution.

Patients with lupus benefit from COVID-19 vaccine booster

Posted: 13 Jul 2022 12:29 PM PDT

People with systemic lupus erythematosus, or SLE, who received a 'booster' dose of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine after full vaccination are roughly half as likely to have a subsequent 'breakthrough' COVID-19 infection, a new study shows.

An ocean of galaxies awaits

Posted: 13 Jul 2022 12:28 PM PDT

New COMAP radio survey will peer beneath the 'tip of the iceberg' of galaxies to unveil a hidden era of star formation.

Researchers develop computer model to predict whether a pesticide will harm bees

Posted: 13 Jul 2022 12:28 PM PDT

Researchers have harnessed the power of artificial intelligence to help protect bees from pesticides.

How mitochondrial damage ignites the 'auto-inflammatory fire'

Posted: 13 Jul 2022 11:39 AM PDT

Researchers describe the biochemical pathway that results in the generation of oxidized mitochondrial DNA, how it is expelled by mitochondria and how it triggers the complex and destructive inflammatory response that follows.

Corrupted proteins in focus: How shape gives rise to variations of fatal brain disease

Posted: 13 Jul 2022 11:39 AM PDT

New research brings into focus how prions might be formed and how they can result in different disease outcomes.