ScienceDaily: Top News


Decoding the language of immune responses

Posted: 02 Jun 2022 12:39 PM PDT

Researchers from McGill University and the US National Cancer Institute (NCI) have made some surprising discoveries about our immune system. By using mathematical modelling to look at specific aspects of immune responses in mice and humans, their data-driven approach, described in a recent article in Science, reveals that immune responses may exist on a finer spectrum than had previously been believed. The results also suggest that in the battle between a body's defenses and intruders, the messengers are key. These findings could advance cancer and other immunotherapy treatments.

Scientists show that at least 44 percent of Earth's land requires conservation to safeguard biodiversity and ecosystem services

Posted: 02 Jun 2022 11:22 AM PDT

New research reveals that 44 percent of Earth's land area -- some 64 million square kilometers (24.7 million square miles) requires conservation to safeguard biodiversity.

The consequences of climate change in the Alps are visible from space

Posted: 02 Jun 2022 11:08 AM PDT

Global warming has a particularly pronounced impact on the Alpine region. Like the Arctic, this European mountain range is becoming greener. Researchers have now used satellite data to show that vegetation above the tree line has increased in nearly 80% of the Alps. Snow cover is also decreasing, albeit so far only slightly.

Children who attend schools with more traffic noise show slower cognitive development

Posted: 02 Jun 2022 11:08 AM PDT

A new study suggests that traffic noise at schools has a detrimental effect on the development of working memory and attention in primary-school students.

Parents' unpredictable behavior may impair optimal brain circuit formation

Posted: 02 Jun 2022 11:08 AM PDT

Researchers are conducting pioneering research into the concept that unpredictable parental behaviors, together with unpredictable environment, such as lack of routines and frequent disasters, disrupt optimal emotional brain circuit development in children, increasing their vulnerability to mental illness and substance abuse.

Height may be risk factor for multiple health conditions

Posted: 02 Jun 2022 11:08 AM PDT

A large genetic study has found that a person's height may affect their risk for several common health conditions in adulthood. Significant findings include a link between height and lower risk of coronary heart disease, and a link between height and higher risk for peripheral neuropathy and circulatory disorders.

Joining the fight against non-small cell lung cancer

Posted: 02 Jun 2022 10:23 AM PDT

Scientists develop a blood test that could help with early detection of non-small cell lung cancer, as well as potential drug resistance.

6G component provides speed, efficiency needed for next-gen network

Posted: 02 Jun 2022 10:23 AM PDT

An international team led by researchers has developed 6G components that will allow future devices to achieve increased speeds necessary for such a technological jump.

Study finds fecal microbiota transplantation to be cost effective treatment for any recurrent Clostridiodes Difficile infection

Posted: 02 Jun 2022 10:23 AM PDT

Medical researchers have found that Fecal Microbiota Transplantation, or FMT, is an optimal cost-effective treatment for first recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection.

The New York -- New Jersey Harbor Estuary is a dining hotspot during summer and autumn months for bottlenose dolphins

Posted: 02 Jun 2022 10:23 AM PDT

They click. They whistle. They love seafood. They are New York City's nearshore bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) that return to feed in local waters from spring to fall each year, and a team of scientists is tracking them.

New discoveries in lupus research

Posted: 02 Jun 2022 09:14 AM PDT

A national expert in systemic lupus erythematosus, or lupus, at the University of Houston has identified biomarkers for heart disease and for children with lupus nephritis.

Benefit of supplements for slowing age-related macular degeneration

Posted: 02 Jun 2022 09:14 AM PDT

The AREDS2 dietary supplement formula not only reduces risk of lung cancer due to beta-carotene, but is also more effective at reducing risk of AMD progression, compared to the original AREDS formula.

Immune therapy targets cells that cause leukemia relapse

Posted: 02 Jun 2022 09:14 AM PDT

Genetically engineered immune cells successfully target the specific cancer cells that may be responsible for relapse of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a type of blood cancer, and proved effective in animal models of the disease, according to a preclinical study. The new cell therapy, now being tested in phase 1 clinical trials, may ultimately help patients with AML to remain cancer-free.

Researchers take optical coherence tomography to the next level

Posted: 02 Jun 2022 08:42 AM PDT

Researchers have developed an enhanced version of optical coherence tomography (OCT) that can image biomedical samples at higher contrast and resolution over a wider 3D field of view than was previously possible.

To make genetic tests clinically useful for non-European groups, we need targeted recruitment, researchers argue

Posted: 02 Jun 2022 08:42 AM PDT

As prices for genetic testing go down and awareness of what these tests can do goes up, more and more people are choosing to have their DNA analyzed. One limitation to these tests is that even when they are conducted with guidance from a doctor, genetic variants may be detected whose roles in disease risk are not fully understood.

Evidence mounts for alternate origins of Alzheimer's disease plaques

Posted: 02 Jun 2022 08:42 AM PDT

A breakdown in how brain cells rid themselves of waste precedes the buildup of debris-filled plaques known to occur in Alzheimer's disease, a new study in mice shows.

Neuroscientists demonstrate flexibility of innate behavior

Posted: 02 Jun 2022 08:42 AM PDT

Some behaviours that are crucial to survival appear to be hard-wired, meaning that they occur without previous experience. For example, many prey organisms naturally know how to escape to safety from perceived threats. However, it is also important for an organism to learn about the world and adapt to its ever-changing circumstances. How does the nervous system enact such flexible decisions over a lifetime?

Shifting signatures of climate change reshuffle northern species

Posted: 02 Jun 2022 08:42 AM PDT

Analysis of long-term monitoring data for almost 1,500 species in Finland shows that four decades of climate change has led species to shift between the 'better' and 'worse' parts of their climatic niches, and that these impacts were most pronounced at higher latitudes.

Coffee consumption link to reduced risk of acute kidney injury, study finds

Posted: 02 Jun 2022 08:42 AM PDT

If you need another reason to start the day drinking a cup of joe, a recent study has revealed that consuming at least one cup of coffee a day may reduce the risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) when compared to those who do not drink coffee.

Patagonia's coast offers cool refuge for giant kelp

Posted: 02 Jun 2022 08:42 AM PDT

Giant kelp forests around the world have struggled to stay healthy in recent decades, with some vanishing altogether. But along Patagonia's rugged southwestern coast, giant kelp are thriving, showing remarkable stability for almost 200 years. New research suggests frequent marine cold spells could help keep kelp happy.

Hydrofoils: Major climate benefits when ships 'fly' over the surface

Posted: 02 Jun 2022 06:51 AM PDT

Soon, electric passenger ferries skimming above the surface across the seas may become a reality. A research team has created a unique method for further developing hydrofoils that can significantly increase the range of electric vessels and reduce the fuel consumption of fossil-powered ships by 80 per cent.

Time crystals 'impossible' but obey quantum physics

Posted: 02 Jun 2022 06:51 AM PDT

Scientists have created a 'time-crystal' a two-body system in an experiment that seems to bend the laws of physics. A 'two-level system' is a basic building block of a quantum computer. Time crystals could perhaps be used to build quantum devices that work at room temperature. Time crystals were long believed to be impossible because they are made from atoms in never-ending motion. The discovery shows that not only can time crystals be created, but they have potential to be turned into useful devices.

'Fruitcake' structure observed in organic polymers

Posted: 02 Jun 2022 06:51 AM PDT

Researchers have analysed the properties of an organic polymer with potential applications in flexible electronics and uncovered variations in hardness at the nanoscale.

Which forces control the elevation of mountains?

Posted: 02 Jun 2022 06:51 AM PDT

Scientists have come up with a new classification scheme for mountain belts that uses just a single number to describe whether the elevation of the mountain belt is controlled mainly by weathering and erosion or by properties of the Earth's crust, i.e., the lithospheric strength and tectonic forces.

What oxytocin can tell us about the evolution of human prosociality

Posted: 02 Jun 2022 06:51 AM PDT

Modern humans are characterized by their prosociality, a broad term that encompasses intraspecies empathy, social tolerance, cooperation and altruism. These facets of social cognition have been associated with variations in the oxytocin and vasotocin genes (OT and VT) and their receptors (OTR and VTR).To shed light on the genetic basis of this behavior, scientists carried out a new study comparing the available genomic sequences of these genes between modern humans, non-human primate species (e.g., chimpanzees, bonobos, and macaques) and archaic humans, using all the available genomes of Neanderthals and Denisovans.

A 50% reduction in emissions by 2030 can be achieved. Here's how

Posted: 02 Jun 2022 06:51 AM PDT

To prevent the worst outcomes from climate change, the U.S. will need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% in the next eight years. Scientists from around the nation have developed a blueprint for success.

New study shows bidirectional link between inflammatory bowel disease and depression

Posted: 02 Jun 2022 06:51 AM PDT

A new study shows that patients diagnosed with IBD were nine times as likely to develop depression than the general population. In addition, their siblings who did not suffer from IBD were almost two times as likely to develop depression. Conversely, patients with depression were two times as likely to develop IBD, and their siblings without depression were more than one and a half times as likely to develop IBD.

Tobacco hawkmoths always find the right odor

Posted: 02 Jun 2022 06:50 AM PDT

Tobacco hawkmoths can distinguish crucial from irrelevant odors in a complex odorous mixture to locate food sources and host plants for laying their eggs.

Brain scans remarkably good at predicting political ideology

Posted: 02 Jun 2022 06:50 AM PDT

Brain scans of people taken while they performed various tasks -- and even did nothing -- accurately predicted whether they were politically conservative or liberal, according to the largest study of its kind.

A 3400-year-old city emerges from the Tigris River

Posted: 01 Jun 2022 05:00 PM PDT

Archaeologists have uncovered a 3400-year-old Mittani Empire-era city once located on the Tigris River. The settlement emerged from the waters of the Mosul reservoir early this year as water levels fell rapidly due to extreme drought in Iraq. The extensive city with a palace and several large buildings could be ancient Zakhiku -- believed to have been an important center in the Mittani Empire (ca. 1550-1350 BC).

When AI is the inventor who gets the patent?

Posted: 01 Jun 2022 05:00 PM PDT

The day is coming -- some say has already arrived -- when new inventions that benefit society are dreamt up by artificial intelligence all on its own.

Physicists announce first results from The Daya Bay Neutrino Experiment's final dataset

Posted: 01 Jun 2022 05:00 PM PDT

Over nearly nine years, the Daya Bay Reactor Neutrino Experiment captured an unprecedented five and a half million interactions from subatomic particles called neutrinos. Now, the international team of physicists has reported the first result from the experiment's full dataset -- the most precise measurement yet of theta13, a key parameter for understanding how neutrinos change their 'flavor.' The result will help physicists explore some of the biggest mysteries surrounding the nature of matter and the universe.

Machine learning models: In bias we trust?

Posted: 01 Jun 2022 05:00 PM PDT

Researchers find the explanation methods designed to help users determine whether to trust a machine-learning model's predictions can perpetuate biases and lead to less accurate predictions for people from disadvantaged groups.

Brain cell activity plays critical role in central nervous system disorder outcomes

Posted: 01 Jun 2022 04:57 PM PDT

Learning how cells in the brain regulate their response to injury and disease is informing the understanding of neurological disorders and uncovering new paths for treatment. Findings from a new study could lead to the development of a broad range of new therapies that target specific astrocyte activity to help treat a variety of central nervous system conditions, including multiple sclerosis and stroke.

Investigators ID gene critical to human immune response

Posted: 01 Jun 2022 04:57 PM PDT

Investigators have identified a gene that plays an essential role in the innate human immune system. The gene, NLRP11, helps activate the inflammatory response that tells the body's white blood cells to go on the attack against a foreign presence.

Young adults turn crushes into love

Posted: 01 Jun 2022 03:56 PM PDT

The 'hookup culture' does not seem to be the norm in real college life, suggests a new study. Rather, young adults are looking for relationships.

A stem cell model could help unravel the complex biology behind some psychiatric disorders

Posted: 01 Jun 2022 02:02 PM PDT

Researchers have applied a novel stem cell model to map disease risk variants in human neurons, which could help provide insights into the biological mechanisms that underlie neuropsychiatric disorders such as autism and schizophrenia.

Researchers show dynamic soaring isn't just for albatrosses

Posted: 01 Jun 2022 02:02 PM PDT

A new study shows how small seabirds have mastered the art of working smarter not harder when soaring at sea.

High fat diet, unregulated athletic exercise endurance enhancers linked to risk of pancreatic cancer

Posted: 01 Jun 2022 02:02 PM PDT

A study suggests that substances touted to improve athletic performance can activate a receptor that accelerates the progression of pre-cancerous lesions to pancreatic cancer in mice.

Scientists developing the axolotl as a model for regeneration

Posted: 01 Jun 2022 02:02 PM PDT

Scientists are working toward establishing the Mexican salamander, or axolotl, as a laboratory model for the study of regeneration. With the ability to regenerate almost any body part, the axolotl is nature's champion of regeneration. The development of new tools to work with the axolotl is elevating it to the level of established research models and positioning the community of scientists who work with it for exponential growth.

VoxLens: Adding one line of code can make some interactive visualizations accessible to screen-reader users

Posted: 01 Jun 2022 12:55 PM PDT

Researchers worked with screen-reader users to design VoxLens, a plugin that allows people to interact with digital visualizations made with JavaScript.

Narcissistic bosses stymie knowledge flow, cooperation inside organizations

Posted: 01 Jun 2022 12:55 PM PDT

New research shows that narcissism can cause knowledge barriers within organizations. Narcissists hinder cooperation between units due to a sense of superiority.

Less air pollution leads to higher crop yields

Posted: 01 Jun 2022 11:28 AM PDT

New analysis shows crop yields could increase by about 25% in China and up to 10% in other parts of the world if emissions of a common air pollutant decreased by about half.

A surprising way to tamper ugly 'Dark Triad' personality traits

Posted: 01 Jun 2022 11:28 AM PDT

Want to be less selfish, manipulative or impulsive? A new study has found that tasks designed to make someone more agreeable also effectively reduce a trio of negative personality traits known as the 'Dark Triad' -- Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy.

Consumers embrace milk carton QR codes, may cut food waste

Posted: 01 Jun 2022 11:28 AM PDT

The 'use-by' and 'best-by' dates printed on milk cartons and gallon jugs may soon become a thing of the past, giving way to more accurate and informative QR codes. A new study finds that consumers will use the QR codes -- to better depict how long the milk is drinkable and create substantially less agricultural and food waste.

Gratitude expressions between co-workers improve cardiovascular responses to stress

Posted: 01 Jun 2022 11:28 AM PDT

A study finds teammates who thanked each other before performing a high-stress task had a better cardiovascular response compared to teams who did not express gratitude. The enhanced cardiovascular response leads to increased concentration, more confidence, allowing individuals to give their peak performance.

Visible light triggers molecular machines to treat infections

Posted: 01 Jun 2022 11:28 AM PDT

Chemists have created light-activated molecular machines and shown they can drill holes through the membranes of gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria, killing them in as little as two minutes. Their study offers a potential new strategy for fighting antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which have no natural defenses against the mechanical invaders.

How electric fish were able to evolve electric organs

Posted: 01 Jun 2022 11:28 AM PDT

A new study explains how small genetic changes enabled electric fish to evolve electric organs. The finding might also help scientists pinpoint the genetic mutations behind some human diseases.

Research shows how Gulf of Mexico escaped ancient mass extinction

Posted: 01 Jun 2022 10:30 AM PDT

An ancient bout of global warming 56 million years ago that acidified oceans and wiped-out marine life had a milder effect in the Gulf of Mexico, where life was sheltered by the basin's unique geology. The findings could help scientists determine how current climate change will affect marine life and aid in efforts to find deposits of oil and gas.

The persistent effects of colonialism in Caribbean science

Posted: 01 Jun 2022 10:30 AM PDT

A new study shows how the legacy of colonialism is still deeply entrenched within scientific practice across the Caribbean archipelago. Rather than solely critiquing these practices, however, the authors hope the study serves as a map to help researchers avoid the pitfalls of extractive science.

Study examines why the memory of fear is seared into our brains

Posted: 01 Jun 2022 10:30 AM PDT

Neuroscientists have been studying the formation of fear memories in the emotional hub of the brain -- the amygdala -- and think they have a mechanism.

Study evaluates how to eliminate telemedicine's virtual waiting room

Posted: 01 Jun 2022 10:30 AM PDT

Researchers have conducted a 10-week study to evaluate how text messaging a link to patients when their doctor is ready provides a way to connect patients and doctors without relying on the virtual waiting room.

Electrolyte additive offers lithium battery performance breakthrough

Posted: 01 Jun 2022 10:30 AM PDT

Chemists have learned that an electrolyte additive allows stable high-voltage cycling of nickel-rich layered cathodes. Their work could lead to improvements in the energy density of lithium batteries that power electric vehicles.

Combination anti-HIV antibody infusions suppress virus for prolonged period

Posted: 01 Jun 2022 08:18 AM PDT

Individuals with HIV who began taking antiretroviral therapy (ART) in the early stages of infection achieved a lengthy period of HIV suppression without ART after receiving two broadly neutralizing anti-HIV antibodies (bNAbs), according to a small study. The findings suggest that combination bNAb therapy might offer a future alternative to daily ART for people living with HIV.

Age-related lung changes provide pathway for metastatic growth of dormant melanoma cancer cells

Posted: 01 Jun 2022 08:18 AM PDT

New laboratory research finds that secreted age-induced changes in distant sites such as the lung can effectively reactivate dormant cells and cause them to grow.

A 'Goldilocks amount' of time spent online could be good for teenagers' wellbeing

Posted: 01 Jun 2022 08:18 AM PDT

New research has found further evidence of a relationship between online engagement and mental wellbeing in teenagers. The study contributes to mounting international evidence on the dangers of high levels of digital media use.

Forests: Spatial aspects of biodiversity, homogenization threat to forest ecosystems

Posted: 01 Jun 2022 08:18 AM PDT

A study highlights the importance of spatial aspects of biodiversity for healthy functioning of naturally occurring forests. Biologists determined that tree beta diversity -- a measure of site-to-site variation in the composition of species present within a given area -- matters more for ecosystem functioning than other components of biodiversity at larger scales. The research also shows that the relationship between beta diversity and tree biomass strengthens with increasing spatial scale (the size of an area) a finding that has implications for conservation planning.

New tool helps older adults monitor 'attentional performance' during driving

Posted: 01 Jun 2022 08:18 AM PDT

Researchers have developed a straightforward questionnaire that older adults can use to assess their 'attentional performance' during driving. In proof-of-concept testing, the researchers have demonstrated the tool can predict which drivers are at increased risk of having accidents.

New virus variant threatens the health of bees worldwide

Posted: 01 Jun 2022 08:18 AM PDT

A dangerous variant of the deformed wing virus is on the rise worldwide. The virus infects honeybees, causing their wings to atrophy and the animals to die. The new variant, which has already replaced the original strain of the virus in Europe, is spreading to other regions of the world and causing entire bee colonies to collapse.

Tired mosquitoes would rather catch up on sleep than bite you

Posted: 01 Jun 2022 08:18 AM PDT

Turns out you're not the only one who needs a good night's rest to function well the next day. Researchers found that mosquitoes whose slumber is disrupted are more interested in catching up on their sleep than looking for food the next day. The research demonstrates how vital this biological function is even among insects.